Lock mechanism, shift lever device, and shift lock unit

ABSTRACT

Because a shift lever device  10  uses attracting force of a fixed iron core  150 A,  216 A of a magnet  150  or an electromagnet  216  in switching between a lock state and an unlock state at a shift lock mechanism  118  and a key interlock mechanism  200,  the mechanisms can be made compact. When a shift lever  12  is changed from a “D” shift position to a “4” shift position and when the shift lever  12  is changed from a “2” shift position to an “L” shift position, a link  30  is rotated in a same direction. Thus, a sliding direction of a slider  38  which detects a rotational position of the link  30  is only one, and a placement size of a detecting member  48  can be made small and the device can be made compact. Because the shift lock unit  88  is equipped integrally with shift lock mechanism  118,  and the link  30,  the slider  38  and the detecting member  48  of a sensing mechanism, the shift lock unit  88  can be made compact.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a lock mechanism applied to ashift lever device, a shift lever device, and a shift lock unit whichforms the shift lever device.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, the shift lock mechanism disclosed in JapanesePatent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 9-28071, as shown in thedrawings of that same publication (in particular, in FIG. 14 or FIG.19), is equipped with a main body portion of an electromagnetic solenoidwhich can move together with a stopper plate, a plunger (movable ironcore) which can move with respect to the main body portion of theelectromagnetic solenoid, and a lock plate which is interlocked with ashift lever. The stopper plate and a cam member of the plunger movereciprocatingly while respectively achieving a balance with the springforce of a spring member, and the lock plate can be set in a lockposition and an unlock position.

[0003] Further, a conventional key interlock mechanism is equipped witha member to be locked which can interlock with the rotation operation ofan ignition key, and a lock member which operates so as to be able to beengaged with and removed from the member to be locked. With the plunger(the movable iron core) of the electromagnetic solenoid serving as adriving source, the lock member can be set in a key lock state in whichthe lock member makes switching of the ignition key from a key rotationoperation position to a key insertion/removal possible positionimpossible, and a key unlock state in which the lock member makesswitching of the ignition key from the key rotation operation positionto the key insertion/removal possible position possible.

[0004] However, because the plunger (movable iron core) of theelectromagnetic solenoid is used as the driving source of theaforementioned shift lock mechanism and key interlock mechanism, themechanisms must be made large in accordance with the movable range ofthe plunger (the movable iron core), and electric power for moving theplunger (the movable iron core) is needed.

[0005] Moreover, for example, a shift lever device 60 shown in FIG. 27is currently being developed, and this shift lever device 60 is equippedwith a shift lever 62. Further, the shift lever device 60 is a so-calledgate-type device. Due to the shift lever 62 being turned in the vehiclelongitudinal direction or the vehicle left-right direction, the shiftposition (e.g., a “D” shift position, a “4” shift position, a “3” shiftposition, a “2” shift position, and an “L” shift position or the like)can be changed.

[0006] In particular, when the shift lever 62 is changed from the “D”shift position to the “4” shift position, the shift lever 62 must beturned toward the right of the vehicle. When the shift lever 62 ischanged from the “4” shift position to the “3” shift position, the shiftlever 62 must be turned toward the rear of the vehicle. When the shiftlever 62 is changed from the “3” shift position to the “2” shiftposition, the shift lever 62 must be turned toward the left of thevehicle and toward the rear of the vehicle in that order. When the shiftlever 62 is changed from the “2” shift position to the “L” shiftposition, the shift lever 62 must be turned toward the left of thevehicle.

[0007] Thus, the turning position, in the vehicle longitudinaldirection, of the shift lever 62 differs between the “D” shift positionand the “4” shift position, and the “3” shift position, and the “2”shift position and the “L” shift position. By detecting the turningposition, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, of the shift lever 62,it can be detected which of the “D” shift position or the “4” shiftposition, and the “3” shift position, and the “2” shift position or the“L” shift position, the shift lever 62 is positioned at.

[0008] Further, the shift lever 60 is equipped with a plate 64. Theplate 64 is supported further toward the rear of the vehicle than theshift lever 62 when the shift lever 62 is positioned at the “2” shiftposition, and is freely rotatable in a horizontal plane

[0009] A first arm portion 66 is provided integrally with the vehiclefront side of the plate 64. The plate 64 is rotated due to the first armportion 66 being pushed by the shift lever 62 toward the right of thevehicle when the shift lever 62 is changed from the “D” shift positionto the “4” shift position. Further, a second arm portion 68 is providedintegrally with the vehicle front side of the plate 64. The plate 64 isrotated due to the second arm portion 68 being pushed by the shift lever62 toward the left of the vehicle when the shift lever 62 is changedfrom the “2” shift position to the “L” shift position.

[0010] A slider 70 is held at the vehicle rear side of the plate 64.When the shift lever 62 is changed from the “D” shift position to the“4” shift position, due to the rotation of the plate 64, the slider 70is slid toward the left of the vehicle, whereas when the shift lever 62is changed from the “2” shift position to the “L” shift position, due tothe rotation of the plate 64, the slider 70 is slid toward the right ofthe vehicle.

[0011] Four thin-plate-shaped contact plates 72 are mounted to thevehicle rear side portion of the slider 70. The four contact plates 72are aligned in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0012] A plate-shaped detecting member 74 is disposed at the vehiclerear side of the slider 70. As shown in FIG. 28, a “D” terminal 76A, a“4” terminal 76B, a “D-4” terminal 76C, a “2-L” terminal 76D, an “L”terminal 76E, and a “2” terminal 76F, which are each formed in athin-plate shape, are provided along the vehicle left-right direction atthe slider 70 side side surface of the detecting member 74. The “D”terminal 76A is provided along the vehicle left-right direction centerfrom the vehicle right side end portion of the detecting member 74. The“4” terminal 76B is provided at the vehicle left side end portion of thedetecting member 74 at the vehicle left side of the “D” terminal 76A.The “D-4” terminal 76C is provided from the vehicle right side endportion of the detecting member 74 to the vehicle left side end portion,directly beneath the “D” terminal 76A and the “4” terminal 76B. The“2-L” terminal 76D is provided from the vehicle right side end portionof the detecting member 74 to the vehicle left side end portion,directly beneath the “D-4” terminal 76C. The “L” terminal 76E isprovided at the vehicle right side end portion of the detecting member74, directly beneath the “2L” terminal 76D. The “2” terminal 76F isprovided from the vehicle left-right direction center of the detectingmember 74 to the vehicle left side end portion, at the vehicle left sideof the “L” terminal 76E.

[0013] Here, when the shift lever 62 is positioned at the “D” shiftposition and the “2” shift position, each contact plate 72 contacts the“D” terminal 76A, the “D-4” terminal 76C, the “2-L” terminal 76D, andthe “2” terminal 76F, respectively.

[0014] When the shift lever 62 is changed from the “D” shift position tothe “4” shift position, each contact plate 72 slides toward the left ofthe vehicle integrally with the sliding of the slider 70 toward the leftof the vehicle, and contacts the “4” terminal 76B, the “D-4” terminal76C, the “2-L” terminal 76D, and the “2” terminal 76F, respectively. Inthis way, it is detected which of the “D” shift position or the “2”shift position, and the “4” shift position the shift lever 62 ispositioned at.

[0015] When the shift lever 62 is changed from the “2” shift position tothe “L” shift position, each contact plate 72 slides toward the right ofthe vehicle integrally with the sliding of the slider 70 toward theright of the vehicle, and contacts the “D” terminal 76A, the “D-4”terminal 76C, the “2-L” terminal 76D, and the “L” terminal 76E,respectively. In this way, it is detected which of the “D” shiftposition or the “2” shift position, and the “L” shift position the shiftlever 62 is positioned at.

[0016] In this way, at the shift lever device 60, it is detected whichof the “D” shift position or the “4” shift position, and the “3” shiftposition, and the “2” shift position or the “L” shift position, theshift lever 62 is positioned at, and it is detected which of the “D”shift position or the “2” shift position, and the “4” shift position,and the “L” shift position, the shift lever 62 is positioned at. In thisway, there is a structure in which it is detected which of the “D” shiftposition and the “4” shift position and the “3” shift position and the“2” shift position and the “L” shift position the shift lever 62 ispositioned at.

[0017] However, in the shift lever device 60, when the shift lever 62 ischanged from the “D” shift position to the “4” shift position and whenthe shift lever 62 is changed from the “2” shift position to the “L”shift position, the plate 64 rotates in mutually opposite directions,and the slider 70 slides in mutually opposite directions. Thus, theplacement size (width X in FIG. 27), in the vehicle left-rightdirection, of the detecting member 74 which the contact plate 72 of theslider 70 contacts must be made large, and a problem arises in that theplacement space of the detecting member 74 becomes large.

[0018] Further, in the shift lever device 60, the plate 64, the slider70 (including the contact plate 72), and the detecting member 74 areprovided separately from a shift lock mechanism (not shown) and thelike, and a problem arises in that the mechanism becomes large.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0019] In view of the aforementioned, an object of the present inventionis to provide a lock mechanism, a shift lever device, and a shift lockunit which can aim for compactness.

[0020] The lock mechanism recited in claim 1 is a lock mechanism appliedto a shift lever device and having a function by which an operationmember cannot be operated to a predetermined position, comprising: aninterlocking member which can interlock with operation of the operationmember, and a lock member which is engageable with and releasable fromthe interlocking member, wherein, in accordance with attracting force ofa fixed iron core of an electromagnet, the lock member can assume a lockstate in which the lock member makes operation of the operation memberto the predetermined position impossible, and an unlock state in whichthe lock member makes operation of the operation member to thepredetermined position possible.

[0021] In accordance with the lock mechanism recited in claim 1, theattracting force of the fixed iron core of the electromagnet is used inswitching between the lock state and the unlock state. Thus, as comparedwith a conventional case using a plunger (movable iron core) of anelectromagnetic solenoid, rising and falling of the iron core can beeliminated, and the mechanism can be made compact. Further, movement ofthe iron core can be suppressed, and the amount of electric power can bereduced.

[0022] The lock mechanism recited in claim 2 is, in the lock mechanismrecited in claim 1, a shift lock mechanism in which the operation memberis a shift lever, the predetermined position is a position other than aspecific position of the shift lever, and the interlocking member is aportion to be locked which can interlock with operation of the shiftlever, and the shift lock mechanism has a function by which the shiftlever cannot be operated from the specific position to a position otherthan the specific position.

[0023] The lock mechanism recited in claim 2 is a shift lock mechanismhaving a function by which the shift lever cannot be operated from aspecific position to a position other than the specific position. Inthis shift lock mechanism, the effects that rising and falling of theiron core can be eliminated and the mechanism can be made compact, andmovement of the iron core can be suppressed and the amount of electricpower can be reduced, can be obtained.

[0024] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 3, in the lock mechanismrecited in claim 1 or 2, in the lock state, attracting force of thefixed iron core of the electromagnet is cancelled and the lock memberanchors with the interlocking member, and in the unlock state, theattracting force of the fixed iron core of the electromagnet isgenerated and anchoring of the lock member with respect to theinterlocking member can be cancelled.

[0025] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 3, the electromagnet isun-energized in the lock state in which the brake is not depressed.Thus, the amount of electric power can be reduced even more.

[0026] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 4, in the lock mechanismrecited in claim 3, the lock member includes an anchor member having ananchor surface which, in the lock state, abuts an anchor surfaceprovided at the interlocking member, and a releasing member which has ananchor releasing surface which can abut an anchor releasing surfaceprovided at the interlocking member, the electromagnet moves togetherwith one of the anchor member and the releasing member, and theelectromagnet and the one of the anchor member and the releasing memberare movable relative to another of the anchor member and the releasingmember, and the other of the anchor member and the releasing member hasa attraction surface which is attracted to the fixed iron core of theelectromagnet in the unlock state, and the releasing member assumes anengageable state in which the releasing member can engage with theanchor releasing surface of the interlocking member at the anchorreleasing surface of the releasing member, and accompanying thisengagement, the releasing member can set the anchor member in a lockstate in a state in which attraction from the electromagnet iscancelled, and can set the anchor member in an unlock state in a stateof being attracted to the electromagnet.

[0027] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 4, due to the anchormember and the releasing member which form the lock member, switchingbetween the lock state and the unlock state can be carried out smoothlyby utilizing the attracting force of the fixed iron core of theelectromagnet.

[0028] The lock mechanism recited in claim 5 is, in the lock mechanismrecited in claim 1, a key interlock mechanism in which the operationmember is an ignition key, the predetermined position is a keyinsertion/removal possible position of the ignition key, and theinterlocking member is a member to be locked which can interlock withrespect to rotation operation of the ignition key, and the key interlockmechanism has a function by which the ignition key cannot be switchedfrom a key rotation operation position to the key insertion/removalpossible position in a state in which the shift lever is operated to aposition other than a park position.

[0029] The lock mechanism recited in claim 5 is a key interlockmechanism which has a function by which the ignition key cannot beswitched from a key rotation operation position to a keyinsertion/removal possible position in a state in which the shift leveris operated to a position other than a park position. In this keyinterlock mechanism, the effects that rising and falling of the ironcore can be eliminated and the mechanism can be made compact, andmovement of the iron core can be suppressed and the amount of electricpower can be reduced, can be obtained.

[0030] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 6, in the lock mechanismrecited in claim 1 or 5, in the lock state, the lock member is attractedby the electromagnet and anchors the interlocking member, and in theunlock state, attraction from the electromagnet is cancelled andanchoring of the lock member with respect to the interlocking member canbe cancelled.

[0031] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 6, in the unlock state inwhich the ignition key can be pulled out, the electromagnet isun-energized. Thus, the amount of electric power can be reduced evenmore.

[0032] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 7, in the lock mechanismrecited in claim 6, the lock member has at least a releasing member ofamong an anchor member having an anchor surface which, in the lockstate, abuts an anchor surface provided at the interlocking member, andthe releasing member which has an anchor releasing surface which canabut an anchor releasing surface provided at the interlocking member, atleast the releasing member of among the anchor member and the releasingmember of the lock member can move with respect to the electromagnet,and one of the anchor member and the releasing member which can movewith respect to the electromagnet has a attraction surface which isattracted to the fixed iron core of the electromagnet in the lock state,at least the releasing member of among the anchor member and thereleasing member of the lock member can, in the lock state, move withrespect to the attraction surface attracted to the fixed iron core ofthe electromagnet, and at least one of the anchor member and thereleasing member, which can move with respect to the attraction surface,can move together with the electromagnet, and the releasing member canassume an engageable state in which the releasing member can engage withthe anchor releasing surface of the interlocking member at the anchorreleasing surface of the releasing member, and accompanying thisengagement, at least one of the anchor member and the releasing membercan assume the lock state and the unlock state.

[0033] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 7, due to the anchormember and the releasing member which form the lock member, switchingbetween the lock state and the unlock state can be carried out smoothlyby utilizing the attracting force of the fixed iron core of theelectromagnet.

[0034] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 8, in the lock mechanismrecited in claim 4 or 7, at least one of the anchor member and thereleasing member of the lock member moves in a direction of attractingforce of the fixed iron core of the electromagnet which works on theattraction surface, and at least one of an anchor surface of the anchormember and an anchor releasing surface of the releasing memberintersects a direction of a locus of movement of at least one of theanchor surface and the anchor releasing surface of the interlockingmember and moves in a direction of the attracting force.

[0035] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 8, the lock member can bebrought together compactly, and the mechanism can be made compact.

[0036] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 9, in the lock mechanismrecited in claim 4 or 8, the lock member includes a spring which urgesthe anchor member to return to the lock state from the unlock state.

[0037] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 9, due to the spring whichurges the anchor member to return to the lock state from the unlockstate, the switching between the lock state and the unlock state can becarried out even more smoothly by utilizing the attracting force of thefixed iron core of the electromagnet.

[0038] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 10, in the lock mechanismrecited in claim 7 or 8, the anchor member and the releasing member ofthe lock member are movable relative to one another, and the lock memberis equipped with a spring which urges the anchor member to return to theunlock state form the lock state.

[0039] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 10, due to the springwhich urges the anchor member to return to the unlock state from thelock state, the switching between the lock state and the unlock statecan be carried out even more smoothly by utilizing the attracting forceof the fixed iron core of the electromagnet.

[0040] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 11, in the lock mechanismrecited in any one of claims 4 and 7 through 10, the lock member isequipped with a spring which urges the releasing member to return to theengageable state.

[0041] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 11, due to the springwhich urges the releasing member to return to the engageable state, theswitching between the lock state and the unlock state can be carried outeven more smoothly by utilizing the attracting force of the fixed ironcore of the electromagnet.

[0042] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 12, in the lock mechanismrecited in any one of claims 1 through 11, the lock mechanism comprisesa yoke which is provided so as to be freely inclinable in correspondencewith the electromagnet, and which adheres to the electromagnet due tomagnetic force when the electromagnet generates the magnetic force.

[0043] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 12, the yoke is providedso as to be freely inclinable. Thus, even in a case in which theelectromagnet is inclined with respect to the yoke when the yoke adheresto the electromagnet due to dispersion in the dimensions at theelectromagnet or the yoke or the like or dispersion in the assemblythereof or the like arising, a gap can be prevented from opening betweenthe yoke and the electromagnet due to the yoke inclining incorrespondence with the inclination of the electromagnet. Thus, adeterioration in the close fit between the yoke and the electromagnet isprevented, and the adhesive force of the yoke and the electromagnet canbe prevented from deteriorating.

[0044] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 13, in the lock mechanismrecited in claim 12, the lock mechanism comprises a holding claw whichis provided so as to project in an L-shape in cross-section toward theelectromagnet side, and which makes the yoke freely inclinable bysupporting an end portion of the yoke.

[0045] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 13, the yoke is made to befreely inclinable due to the holding claw projecting in an L-shape incross-section toward the electromagnet side and supporting an endportion of the yoke. Thus, with a simple structure, the yoke can beprovided so as to be freely inclinable.

[0046] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 14, in the lock mechanismrecited in claim 12 or 13, the lock mechanism comprises a cushion whichis elastic and pushes the yoke toward the electromagnet side.

[0047] In the lock mechanism recited in claim 14, the cushion is elasticand pushes the yoke toward the electromagnet side. Thus, clattering ofthe yoke can be suppressed, and the abutment noise of the yoke and theelectromagnet when the yoke adheres to the electromagnet can beprevented from resonating.

[0048] The shift lever device recited in claim 15 comprises: a shiftlever provided so as to be turnable in a predetermined direction andtoward both sides of the predetermined direction, and due to a turningposition in the predetermined direction being changed, a first shiftposition and a second shift position are changed, and by being turnedtoward one side of the predetermined direction from the first shiftposition, the shift lever is changed to a third shift position, and bybeing turned toward another side of the predetermined direction from thesecond shift position, the shift lever is changed to a fourth shiftposition; a link provided so as to be rotatable in correspondence withthe shift lever, the link being rotated in a same specific direction bythe shift lever when the shift lever is changed from the first shiftposition to the third shift position and when the shift lever is changedfrom the second shift position to the fourth shift position; a firstdetecting portion connected to the shift lever, and detecting theturning position, in the predetermined direction, of the shift lever;and a second detecting portion connected to the link, and detecting arotational position of the link.

[0049] In the shift lever device recited in claim 15, by changing theturning position, in the predetermined direction, of the shift lever,the first shift position and the second shift position of the shiftlever are changed.

[0050] Further, the shift lever is changed to the third shift positionby being turned toward one side of the predetermined direction from thefirst shift position. At this time, the link is rotated in the specificdirection by the shift lever. On the other hand, the shift lever ischanged to the fourth shift position by being turned toward the otherside of the predetermined direction from the second shift position. Atthis time as well, the link is rotated in the specific direction by theshift lever.

[0051] Moreover, the turning position, in the predetermined direction,of the shift lever is detected by the first detecting portion. In thisway, in a case in which, for example, the turning position, in thepredetermined direction, of the shift lever is the same at the firstshift position and the third shift position and is the same at thesecond shift position and the fourth shift position, it can be detectedwhich of the first shift position or the third shift position, and thesecond shift position or the fourth shift position, the shift lever ispositioned at.

[0052] Further, the rotational position of the link is detected by thesecond detecting portion. In this way, it can be detected which of thefirst shift position or the second shift position, and the third shiftposition or the fourth shift position, the shift lever is positioned at.

[0053] Accordingly, it can be detected, by the first detecting portionand the second detecting portion, which of the first shift position andthe second shift position and the third shift position and the fourthshift position, the shift lever is positioned at.

[0054] Here, the link is rotated in the same specific direction when theshift lever is changed from the first shift position to the third shiftposition and when the shift lever is changed from the second shiftposition to the fourth shift position. Thus, the placement size of thesecond detecting portion, which detects the rotational position of thelink, can be made small. It is possible to make the placement space ofthe second detecting portion compact, and therefore, to make the devicecompact.

[0055] In the shift lever device recited in claim 16, in the shift leverdevice recited in claim 15, a rotation central axis of the link isdisposed between the first shift position and the second shift positionof the shift lever, and the link is rotatable substantially parallel toa plane of turning, in the predetermined direction, of the shift lever,and the link has a first arm corresponding to the third shift positionof the shift lever and a second arm corresponding to the fourth shiftposition of the shift lever, and when the shift lever is changed fromthe first shift position to the third shift position, the shift leverdisplaces the first arm toward one of a distal end side and a proximalend side of the shift lever and rotates the link in the specificdirection, whereas when the shift lever is changed from the second shiftposition to the fourth shift position, the shift lever displaces thesecond arm toward another of the distal end side and the proximal endside of the shift lever and rotates the link in the specific direction.

[0056] In the shift lever device recited in claim 16, the rotationcentral axis of the link is disposed between the first shift positionand the second shift position of the shift lever, and the link isrotatable substantially parallel to a plane of turning, in thepredetermined direction, of the shift lever.

[0057] Further, when the shift lever is changed from the first shiftposition to the third shift position, the link is rotated in thespecific direction due to the shift lever displacing the first arm ofthe link toward one of a distal end side and a proximal end side of theshift lever.

[0058] On the other hand, when the shift lever is changed from thesecond shift position to the fourth shift position, the link is rotatedin the specific direction due to the shift lever displacing the secondarm of the link toward the other of the distal end side and the proximalend side of the shift lever.

[0059] Thus, a structure in which the link is always rotated in the samespecific direction can be realized easily.

[0060] In the shift lever device recited in claim 17, in the shift leverdevice recited in claim 15 or 16, the first detecting portion transmits,to the second detecting portion, a signal regarding a detected turningposition, in the predetermined direction, of the shift lever, and thesecond detecting portion switches a transmission direction of thereceived signal on the basis of a detected rotational position of thelink.

[0061] In the shift lever device recited in claim 17, the firstdetecting portion transmits, to the second detecting portion, a signalregarding a detected turning position, in the predetermined direction,of the shift lever. The second detecting portion switches thetransmission direction of the received signal on the basis of thedetected rotational position of the link. Thus, the shift positiondetecting mechanism of the shift lever can be structured simply ascompared with a case in which the signal regarding the turning position,in the predetermined direction, of the shift lever which is detected bythe first detecting portion, and the signal regarding the rotationalposition of the link detected by the second detecting portion, aretransmitted in a state of being multiplexed.

[0062] A shift lock unit recited in claim 18 is a shift lock unitforming a shift lever device which is equipped with: a shift leverprovided so as to be turnable in a predetermined direction and towardboth sides of the predetermined direction, and due to a turning positionin the predetermined direction being changed, a first-shift position anda second shift position are changed, and by being turned toward one sideof the predetermined direction from the first shift position, the shiftlever is changed to a third shift position, and by being turned towardanother side of the predetermined direction from the second shiftposition, the shift lever is changed to a fourth shift position; and afirst detecting portion connected to the shift lever, and detecting theturning position, in the predetermined direction, of the shift lever,wherein the shift lock unit integrally comprises: a shift lock mechanismhaving a function by which the shift lever cannot be operated from aspecific position to a position other than the specific position; and asensing mechanism which senses a change from the first shift position ofthe shift lever to the third shift position, and a change from thesecond shift position of the shift lever to the fourth shift position.

[0063] In the shift lock unit recited in claim 18, the shift lockmechanism has a function by which the shift lever cannot be operatedfrom a specific position to a position other than the specific position.Further, the sensing mechanism senses a change from the first shiftposition of the shift lever to the third shift position, and a changefrom the second shift position of the shift lever to the fourth shiftposition.

[0064] Here, the shift lock unit is integrally equipped with the shiftlock mechanism and the sensing mechanism. Thus, compactness can be aimedfor as compared with a case in which the shift lock mechanism and thesensing mechanism are provided separately.

[0065] In the shift lock unit recited in claim 19, in the shift lockunit recited in claim 18, the sensing mechanism includes: a linkprovided so as to be rotatable in correspondence with the shift lever,the link being rotated in a same specific direction by the shift leverwhen the shift lever is changed from the first shift position to thethird shift position and when the shift lever is changed from the secondshift position to the fourth shift position; and a second detectingportion connected to the link, and detecting a rotational position ofthe link.

[0066] In the shift lock unit recited in claim 19, the turning position,in the predetermined direction, of the shift lever is detected by thefirst detecting portion. In this way, in a case in which, for example,the turning position, in the predetermined direction, of the shift leveris the same at the first shift position and the third shift position andis the same at the second shift position and the fourth shift position,it can be detected which of the first shift position or the third shiftposition, and the second shift position or the fourth shift position,the shift lever is positioned at.

[0067] Further, the rotational position of the link is detected by thesecond detecting portion. In this way, it can be detected which of thefirst shift position or the second shift position, and the third shiftposition or the fourth shift position, the shift lever is positioned at.

[0068] Accordingly, it can be detected, by the first detecting portionand the second detecting portion, which of the first shift position andthe second shift position and the third shift position and the fourthshift position, the shift lever is positioned at.

[0069] Here, the link is rotated in the same specific direction when theshift lever is changed from the first shift position to the third shiftposition and when the shift lever is changed from the second shiftposition to the fourth shift position. Thus, the placement size of thesecond detecting portion, which detects the rotational position of thelink, can be made small. It is possible to make the placement space ofthe second detecting portion compact, and accordingly, to make thedevice more compact.

[0070] In the shift lock unit recited in claim 20, in the shift lockunit recited in claim 19, the shift lock unit comprises a guide portionwhich is provided in correspondence with the link, and which guidesrotation, in the specific direction, of the link.

[0071] The shift lock unit recited in claim 20 comprises the guideportion which guides rotation, in the specific direction, of the link.Thus, the rotation of the link can be prevented from moving in therotation orthogonal direction.

[0072] In the shift lock unit recited in claim 21, in the shift lockunit recited in claim 19 or 20, the shift lock unit comprises: arestoring member provided at the link, and applying torque in adirection opposite the specific direction to the link and restoring thelink to an initial rotational position; and an elastic member which iselastic and which the link, which is restored to the initial rotationalposition, abuts.

[0073] In the shift lock unit recited in claim 21, when the link isrotated in the specific direction by the shift lever, the restoringmember applies torque in the direction opposite the specific directionto the link, and restores the link to the initial rotational position.Further, the link, which is restored to the initial rotational position,abuts the elastic member which is elastic. Thus, the generation of anabutment noise when the link is restored to the initial rotationalposition can be prevented.

[0074] In the shift lock unit recited in claim 22, in the shift lockunit recited in any one of claims 18 through 21, the shift lock unitcomprises a shift position detecting portion which detects that theshift lever is positioned at a specific shift position.

[0075] In the shift lock unit recited in claim 22, the shift positiondetecting portion, which detects that the shift lever is positioned atthe specific shift position, is provided. Thus, more compactness can beaimed for, as compared with a case in which the shift position detectingportion is provided separately from the shift lock unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a shift leverdevice relating to a first embodiment.

[0077]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a shift lock unit of theshift lever device relating to the first embodiment.

[0078]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the shift lock unitof the shift lever device relating to the first embodiment.

[0079]FIG. 4 is a perspective view, as seen from a reverse surface side,showing a link of the shift lever device relating to the firstembodiment.

[0080]FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a sensingmechanism of the shift lever device relating to the first embodiment.

[0081]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which acontact plate of a slider contacts a terminal of a detecting member inthe shift lever device relating to the first embodiment.

[0082]FIG. 7 is a front view showing the terminals of the detectingmember in the shift lever device relating to the first embodiment.

[0083]FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing a connected state of an NSS, ameter, a “D-4” switch, and a “2-L” switch of the shift lever devicerelating to the first embodiment.

[0084]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a shift lock mechanism ofthe shift lever device relating to the first embodiment.

[0085]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which aslider and a magnet are moved downward and a stopper is disposed at alock position, in the shift lock mechanism of the shift lever devicerelating to the first embodiment.

[0086]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which theslider and the magnet are moved downward and the stopper is disposed ata releasing position, in the shift lock mechanism of the shift leverdevice relating to the first embodiment.

[0087]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a yokeis inclined in correspondence with inclination of the magnet, in theshift lock mechanism of the shift lever device relating to the firstembodiment.

[0088]FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the shift lockmechanism of the shift lever device relating to the first embodiment.

[0089]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which anignition key is at a key rotation operation position, in a key interlockmechanism relating to the first embodiment.

[0090]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a lock released state ofthe ignition key, in the key interlock mechanism relating to the firstembodiment.

[0091]FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a locked state of theignition key, in the key interlock mechanism relating to the firstembodiment.

[0092]FIG. 17 is a front view schematically showing a key operationportion of a vehicle relating to the first embodiment.

[0093]FIG. 18 is a plan view schematically showing a cover in the shiftlever device relating to the first embodiment.

[0094]FIG. 19 is a plan view schematically showing a cover in atiptronic-type gate-type shift lever device relating to another exampleof the first embodiment.

[0095]FIG. 20 is a plan view schematically showing a cover in astraight-type shift lever device relating to another example of thefirst embodiment.

[0096]FIG. 21 is a circuit diagram showing a connected state of an NSSan engine controlling device, a meter, a “D-4” switch, and a “2-L”switch of a shift lever device relating to another example of the firstembodiment.

[0097]FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view showing a shift lockmechanism relating to a second embodiment.

[0098]FIG. 23 is an assembly perspective view showing the shift lockmechanism relating to the second embodiment.

[0099]FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing an inner portion of theshift lock mechanism relating to the second embodiment.

[0100]FIG. 25 is a plan view schematically showing a shift operationportion of an automobile relating to the second embodiment.

[0101] FIGS. 26A-C are explanatory diagrams showing a lock operation anda lock releasing operation in the shift lock mechanism relating to thesecond embodiment.

[0102]FIG. 27 is a plan view showing main portions of a conventionalshift lever device.

[0103]FIG. 28 is a front view showing terminals of a detecting member ina conventional shift lever device.

BEST MODES FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

[0104] A lock mechanism, a shift lever device, and a shift lock unit ofthe present invention will be described in detail on the basis of theappended drawings.

[0105] First, a shift lever device 10 relating to a first embodimentwill be described on the basis of FIG. 1 through FIG. 21.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 1, the shift lever device 10 relating to thepresent embodiment is a so-called gate-type device, and is set on afloor surface within a vehicle.

[0107] This shift lever device 10 is equipped with a box-shaped cover 14which forms a shift operation portion 80. The cover 14 is fixed to thefloor surface within the vehicle. The cover 14 is structured by abox-shaped base plate 82 whose top surface is open, and a plate-shapedcover member 84. The cover member 84 is fixed to the top surface of thebase plate 82.

[0108] A substantially solid cylindrical rotating shaft 86, which formsthe shift operating portion 80, is provided at the lower portion withinthe base plate 82. The rotating shaft 86 is parallel to the vehicleleft-right direction, and rotates freely around the central axis. Theproximal end of a shift lever 12, which serves as an operation memberand forms the shift operation portion 80, is supported at the rotatingshaft 86. The shift lever 12 freely rotates in the vehicle left-rightdirection with respect to the rotating shaft 86. Thus, the shift lever12 can turn in the vehicle longitudinal direction (a predetermineddirection) and the vehicle left-right direction (both sides of thepredetermined direction). Further, the shift lever 12 is connected tothe automatic transmission (not illustrated) of the vehicle.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 18 as well, a guide hole 16 is formed in thecover member 84. The guide hole 16 has a predetermined curvedconfiguration. The shift lever 12 is inserted through the guide hole 16.Due to the shift lever 12 being guided by the guide hole 16 and beingturned in the vehicle longitudinal direction or the vehicle left-rightdirection, the shift position (in the present embodiment, a “P” shiftposition serving as a predetermined position and a predetermined shiftposition, an “R” shift position, an “N” shift position, a “D” shiftposition serving as a first shift position, a “4” shift position servingas a third shift position, a “3” shift position, a “2” shift positionserving as a second shift position, and an “L” shift position serving asa fourth shift position) is changed.

[0110] Namely, when the shift lever 12 is changed from the “P” shiftposition to the “R” shift position, the shift lever 12 must be turnedtoward the left of the vehicle, toward the rear of the vehicle, andtoward the right of the vehicle in that order. When the shift lever 12is changed from the “R” shift position to the “N” shift position, theshift lever 12 must be turned toward the rear of the vehicle and towardthe right of the vehicle in that order. When the shift lever 12 ischanged from the “N” shift position to the “D” shift position, the shiftlever 12 must be turned toward the rear of the vehicle. When the shiftlever 12 is changed from the “D” shift position to the “4” shiftposition, the shift lever 12 must be turned toward the right of thevehicle (one side in the predetermined direction). When the shift lever12 is changed from the “4” shift position to the “3” shift position, theshift lever 12 must be turned toward the rear of the vehicle. When theshift lever 12 is changed from the “3” shift position to the “2” shiftposition, the shift lever 12 must be turned toward the left of thevehicle and toward the rear of the vehicle in that order. When the shiftlever 12 is changed from the “2” shift position to the “L” shiftposition, the shift lever 12 must be turned toward the left of thevehicle (the other side in the predetermined direction).

[0111] Thus, the turning position, in the vehicle longitudinal directionof the shift lever 12 is different at the “P” shift position, and the“R” shift position, and the “N” shift position, and the “D” shiftposition and the “4” shift position, and the “3” shift position, and the“2” shift position and the “L” shift position.

[0112] The shift lever 12 is connected to a so-called NSS (neutral startswitch) 18 which serves as a first detecting portion shown in FIG. 8.The NSS 18 detects the turning position, in the vehicle longitudinaldirection, of the shift lever 12. In this way, it can be detected whichof the “P” shift position, and the “R” shift position, and the “N” shiftposition, and the “D” shift position or the “4” shift position, and the“3” shift position, and the “2” shift position or the “L” shiftposition, the shift lever 12 is positioned at.

[0113] A “P” terminal, an “R” terminal, an “N” terminal, a “D” terminal,a “2” terminal, and an “L” terminal are provided at the NSS 18. When theshift lever 12 is positioned at the “P” shift position, a signal istransmitted from the “P” terminal. When the shift lever 12 is positionedat the “R” shift position, a signal is transmitted from the “R”terminal. When the shift lever 12 is positioned at the “N” shiftposition, a signal is transmitted from the “N” terminal. When the shiftlever 12 is positioned at the “D” shift position or the “4” shiftposition, a signal is transmitted from the “D” terminal. When the shiftlever 12 is positioned at the “3” shift position, a signal istransmitted from the “2” terminal. When the shift lever 12 is positionedat the “2” shift position or the “L” shift position, a signal istransmitted from the “L” terminal.

[0114] The NSS 18 is directly connected to a meter 20. A “P” lamp, an“R” lamp, an “N” lamp, a “D” lamp, a “4” lamp, a “3” lamp, a “2” lamp,and an “L” lamp are provided at the meter 20.

[0115] The “P” lamp, the “R” lamp, the “N” lamp, and the “3” lamp of themeter 20 are connected to the “P” terminal, the “R” terminal, the “N”terminal, and the “2” terminal of the NSS 18, respectively. When asignal is transmitted from the “P” terminal, the “R” terminal, the “N”terminal, or the “2” terminal, the “P” lamp, the “R” lamp, the “N” lamp,or the “3” lamp, respectively, is lit.

[0116] The “D” lamp and the “4” lamp of the meter 20 and the “D”terminal of the NSS 18 are connected in a state in which a “D-4” switch22 is interposed therebetween. The “D-4” switch 22 can switch thetransmission direction of the signal from the “D” terminal between the“D” lamp side and the “4” lamp side.

[0117] The “2” lamp and the “L” lamp of the meter 20 and the “L”terminal of the NSS 18 are connected in a state in which a “2-L” switch24 is interposed therebetween. The “2-L” switch 24 can switch thetransmission direction of the signal from the “L” terminal between the“2” lamp side and the “L” lamp side.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 5, a semicircular switching plate 26 is providedintegrally at the proximal end side of the shift lever 12. The switchingplate 26 projects toward the right of the vehicle from the shift lever12. A solid cylindrical switching rod 28 is provided integrally with theswitching plate 26. The switching rod 28 projects from the switchingplate 26 toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 1, a shift lock unit 88 is provided within thebase plate 82 at the vehicle right side of the shift lever 12. The shiftlock unit 88 is equipped with a box-shaped housing 88A. As shown in FIG.3, a circuit substrate 90 is fixed within the housing 88A. A connector92 is provided at the vehicle rear side end portion of the circuitsubstrate 90. Further, a shift position detecting portion 94 isremovably provided at a vehicle front side region of the circuitsubstrate 90. The shift position detecting portion 94 is connected tothe connector 92 via the circuit substrate 90. The shift positiondetecting portion 94 has-a pair of thin-plate-shaped contact plates 94Awhich are elastic. The pair of contact plates 94A do not contact oneanother. The pair of contact plates 94A project from the vehicle leftside side surface of the housing 88A. When the shift lever 12 ispositioned at the “P” shift position, the shift lever 12 pushes onecontact plate 94A toward the front of the vehicle such that the pair ofcontact plates 94A contact one another. In this way, it can be detectedby the shift position detecting portion 94 that the shift lever 12 ispositioned at the “P” shift position.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 2, a triangular-plate-shaped projecting portion96 is provided erect at the top surface of the housing 88A. Asubstantially solid cylindrical supporting shaft 98 is provided at thevehicle left side (shift lever 12 side) side surface of the projectingportion 96. A through-hole 100, which has a circular cross-sectionalconfiguration and passes through the projecting portion 96 as well, isformed in the center of the supporting shaft 98. Insertion holes 100A,which have rectangular cross-sectional configurations and pass throughthe projecting portion 96 as well, are formed so as to oppose each otherrespectively at the diagonally upper portion and the diagonally lowerportion of the through hole 100.

[0121] A link 30, which forms a sensing mechanism, is assembled with thesupporting shaft 98. The link 30 is set at the vehicle right side of theshift lever 12 in correspondence with the switching plate 26 and theswitching rod 28 of the shift lever 12.

[0122] The link 30 is provided with a long-plate-shaped link main body30A. As shown in detail in FIG. 4, a fit-together concave portion 102projects in a tubular form at the supporting shaft 98 side side wall ofthe upper portion of the link main body 30A. A penetrating shaft 104,which is shaped as a solid cylinder, projects at the center of thefit-together concave portion 102. A pair of anchor projections 104A,which have rectangular cross-sectional configurations, are provided soas to oppose one another at the distal end of the penetrating shaft 104.

[0123] Here, after the respective anchor projections 104A have beeninserted into the respective insertion holes 100A and the penetratingshaft 104 has been made to penetrate through and fit together with thethrough hole 100, by rotating the bottom portion of the link main body30A toward the front of the vehicle, the respective anchor projections104A are anchored on the projecting portion 96 of the peripheries of thethrough holes 100 and the bottom surface of the fit-together concaveportion 102 abuts the side surface of the supporting shaft 98, in astate in which the peripheral surface of the supporting shaft 98 is fittogether with the inner peripheral surface of the fit-together concaveportion 102. In this way, the link main body 30A (the link 30) issupported by the supporting shaft 98, and is rotatable parallel to aperpendicular plane along the vehicle longitudinal direction (the planeof turning in the predetermined direction of the shift lever 12), withthe central line of the supporting shaft 98 (the one-dot chain line inFIG. 5 disposed between the “D” shift position and the “2” shiftposition of the shift lever 12) being a rotation central axis P.Further, as will be described later, in the range in which the link 30rotates due to turning of the shift lever 12, the rotational positionsof the respective anchor projections 104A are structured so as to notcoincide with the respective insertion holes 100A. In this way,canceling of the supporting of the link 30 by the supporting shaft 98can be impeded. Moreover, the projecting portion 96, the supportingshaft 98, the through-hole 100, the fit-together concave portion 102,the penetrating shaft 104, and the anchor projections 104A function as aguide portion. The rotation of the link 30 is guided by thefitting-together of the penetrating shaft 104 into the through-hole 100,the fitting-together of the supporting shaft 98 peripheral surface withthe fit-together concave portion 102 inner peripheral surface, theanchoring of the anchor projections 104A on the projecting portion 96,and the abutting of the fit-together concave portion 102 bottom surfacewith the supporting shaft 98 side surface.

[0124] A torsion coil spring 106 serving as a restoring member spansbetween the link main body 30A and the projecting portion 96. In thisway, the link main body 30A (the link 30) is urged in the oppositedirection of arrow A in FIG. 5. An elastic member 108, which is made ofrubber and is elastic, is removably provided at the vehicle left sideside surface of the housing 88A in correspondence with the lower portionof the link main body 30A. The elastic member 108 projects in atriangular pyramid shape toward the lower portion of the link main body30A (the vehicle rear side). The lower portion of the link main body30A, which is urged by the torsion coil spring 106, abuts the elasticmember 108. The link main body 30A (the link 30) is thereby made tosubstantially stand and is positioned at the initial rotationalposition.

[0125] A guide wall 110A and a guide projecting portion 110B, which formthe guide portion, are formed at the vehicle left side side surface ofthe housing 88A in correspondence with the lower portion of the linkmain body 30A. The guide wall 110A and the guide projecting portion 110Boppose one another in a state in which the guide wall 110A is disposedat the left side of the vehicle and the guide projecting portion 110B isdisposed at the right side of the vehicle. Here, as will be describedlater, in the range in which the link 30 rotates due to the turning ofthe shift lever 12, the lower portion of the link main body 30A isinserted between the guide wall 110A and the guide projecting portion110B in a state of abutting both, and the rotation of the link 30 isguided by the guide wall 110A and the guide projecting portion 110B.

[0126] As shown in detail in FIG. 5, a first arm 32 is providedintegrally with the upper portion of the link main body 30A, incorrespondence with the “4” shift position of the shift lever 12. Thefirst arm 32 extends toward the front of the vehicle from the link mainbody 30A. A plate-shaped receiving portion 32A is provided integrallywith the distal end of the first arm 32. The top surface of thereceiving portion 32A is inclined toward the bottom of the vehicletoward the left of the vehicle. Here, when the shift lever 12 is changedfrom the “D” shift position to the “4” shift position and the switchingplate 26 is moved toward the right of the vehicle, the top surface ofthe receiving portion 32A is pushed by the switching plate 26, and thefirst arm 32 is displaced toward the bottom of the vehicle (the proximalend side of the shift lever 12). In this way, the link 30 is rotated inthe direction of arrow A in FIG. 5 (the specific direction).

[0127] A second arm 34 is provided integrally with the upper portion ofthe link main body 30A in correspondence with the “L” shift position ofthe shift lever 12. The second arm 34 projects in an L-shape from thelink main body 30A, and the distal end side extends toward the left ofthe vehicle. The distal end of the second arm 34 is bent such that abent portion 34A is formed. The bottom surface of the bent portion 34Ais inclined toward the bottom of the vehicle toward the left of thevehicle. Here, when the shift lever 12 is changed from the “2” shiftposition to the “L” shift position and the switching rod 28 is movedtoward the left of the vehicle, the bottom surface of the bent portion34A is pushed by the switching rod 28 and the second arm 34 is displacedtoward the top of the vehicle (the distal end side of the shift lever12). In this way, the link 30 is rotated in the direction of arrow A inFIG. 5.

[0128] A cut-out portion 36 is formed in the bottom portion of the linkmain body 30A. The cut-out portion 36 is parallel to the vehiclevertical direction, and the bottom end is open.

[0129] A slider 38, which forms a second detecting portion of thesensing mechanism, is disposed at the vehicle right side of the link 30.The slider 38 is accommodated within the housing 88A. The slider 38 isequipped with a rectangular-plate-shaped slider main body 40. A solidcylindrical fit-in rod 42 is provided integrally with the vehicle leftside side surface of the slider main body 40. An insert-through hole 78is formed directly beneath the aforementioned guide projecting portion110B in the vehicle left side side surface of the housing 88A, incorrespondence with the fit-in rod 42. The insert-through hole 78 iselongated along the vehicle longitudinal direction. The fit-in rod 42 isinserted through the insert-through hole 78 and is slidably fit-in intothe cut-out portion 36 of the link main body 30A. In this way, theslider 38 slides in the vehicle longitudinal direction as the link 30rotates.

[0130] A predetermined number (4 in the present embodiment) ofthin-plate-shaped contact plates 44 are mounted to the vehicle rightside side surface of the slider main body 40. The predetermined numberof contact plates 44 are aligned in the vehicle vertical direction. Asshown in FIG. 6, the distal end of each connect plate 44 contacts thevehicle left side side surface of a detecting member 48 which will bedescribed later.

[0131] A guiding projection 46 is provided integrally at each of theupper end and the lower end of the slider main body 40. Both guidingprojections 46 project in L-shapes toward the right of the vehicle fromthe slider main body 40, and oppose one another.

[0132] The rectangular-plate shaped detecting member 48, which forms thesecond detecting portion of the sensing mechanism, is set at the vehicleright side of the slider 38. The detecting member 48 is fixed to theaforementioned circuit substrate 90 and is accommodated within thehousing 88A. A guiding concave portion 50 is formed in each of the upperend and the lower end of the detecting member 48. The sliding of theslider 38 in the vehicle longitudinal direction is guided by therespective guiding projections 46 of the slider 38 being fit into therespective guiding concave portions 50.

[0133] A “D” terminal 52A, a “4” terminal 52B, a “D-4” terminal 52C, a“2-L” terminal 52D, a “2” terminal 52E, and an “L” terminal 52F, whichare each formed in a thin-plate-shape, are provided along the vehiclelongitudinal direction at the vehicle left side side surface of thedetecting member 48, and are respectively connected to theaforementioned connector 92 via the circuit substrate 90. As shown indetail in FIG. 7, the “D” terminal 52A is provided from the vehiclefront side end portion of the detecting member 48 to the vehiclelongitudinal direction center. The “4” terminal 52B is provided at thevehicle rear side of the “D” terminal 52A at the vehicle rear side endportion of the detecting member 48. The “D-4” terminal 52C is providedfrom the vehicle front side end portion of the detecting member 48 tothe vehicle rear side end portion, directly beneath the “D” terminal 52Aand the “4” terminal 52B. The “2-L” terminal 52D is provided from thevehicle front side end portion of the detecting member 48 to the vehiclerear side end portion, directly beneath the “D-4” terminal 52C. The “2”terminal 52E is provided from the vehicle front side end portion of thedetecting member 48 to the vehicle longitudinal direction center,directly beneath the “2-L” terminal 52D. The “L” terminal 52F isprovided at the vehicle rear side end portion of the detecting member 48at the vehicle rear side of the “2” terminal 52E.

[0134] Here, when the shift lever 12 is positioned at the “D” shiftposition and the “2” shift position, the distal ends of the respectivecontact plates 44 contact the “D” terminal 52A, the “D-4” terminal 52C,the “2-L” terminal 52D, and the “2” terminal 52E, respectively.

[0135] When the shift lever 12 is changed from the “D” shift position tothe “4” shift position and when the shift lever 12 is changed from the“2” shift position to the “L” shift position, the respective contactplates 44 are slid toward the rear of the vehicle integrally with thesliding of the slider 38 toward the rear of the vehicle whichaccompanies rotation of the link 30 in the direction of arrow A in FIG.5, and the respective contact plates 44 contact the “4” terminal 52B,the “D-4” terminal 52C, the “2-L” terminal 52D, and the “L” terminal52F, respectively.

[0136] In this way, it can be detected which of the “D” shift positionor the “2” shift position, and the “4” shift position or the “L” shiftposition, the shift lever 12 is positioned at.

[0137] The “D” terminal 52A, the “4” terminal 52B and the “D-4” terminal52C of the detecting member 48 correspond to the aforementioned “D-4”switch 22 shown in FIG. 8, whereas the “2-L” terminal 52D, the “2”terminal 52E and the “L” terminal 52F of the detecting member 48correspond to the aforementioned “2-L” switch 24 shown in FIG. 8.

[0138] Here, when the shift lever 12 is positioned at the “D” shiftposition or the “2” shift position, due to the distal ends of therespective contact plates 44 contacting the “D” terminal 52A, the “D-4”terminal 52C, the “2-L” terminal 52D and the “2” terminal 52E of thedetecting member 48 respectively, at the “D-4” switch 22, thetransmission direction of the signal from the “D” terminal of the NSS 18is made to be to the “D” lamp side of the meter 20, and at the “2-L”switch 24, the transmission direction of the signal from the “L”terminal of the NSS 18 is made to be the “2” lamp side of the meter 20.Thus, by a signal being transmitted from the “D” terminal or the “L”terminal, the “D” lamp or the “2” lamp, respectively, is lit.

[0139] Further, when the shift lever 12 is positioned at the “4” shiftposition or the “L” shift position, due to the distal ends of therespective contact plates 44 contacting the “4” terminal 52B, the “D-4”terminal 52C, the “2-L” terminal 52D and the “L” terminal 52F of thedetecting member 48 respectively, at the “D-4” switch 22, thetransmission direction of the signal from the “D” terminal of the NSS 18is switched to the “4” lamp side of the meter 20, and at the “2-L”switch 24, the transmission direction of the signal from the “L”terminal of the NSS 18 is switched to the “L” lamp side of the meter 20.Thus, by a signal being transmitted from the “D” terminal or the “L”terminal, the “4” lamp or the “L” lamp, respectively, is lit.

[0140] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1, a substantially solid cylindricallever 112, which serves as an interlocking member and a portion to belocked, is provided integrally at the proximal end side of the shiftlever 12. The lever 112 projects toward the front of the vehicle fromthe shift lever 12. The cross-section of the lever 112 is aconfiguration which projects at an incline toward the bottom left of thevehicle. The bottom surface of the lever 112 is planar. The lever 112interlocks with the turning operation of the shift lever 12. A vehiclebottom left region of the lever 112 is an abutment surface 112A which isused as both an anchor surface and an anchor releasing surface.

[0141] The shift lock unit 88 is equipped with a shift lock mechanism118 (the same meaning as shift lock solenoid), which serves as a lockmechanism, at a vehicle front side region in correspondence with theposition of the lever 112 when the shift lever 12 is disposed at the “P”shift position.

[0142] As shown in detail in FIG. 9 and FIG. 13, the shift lockmechanism 118 is equipped with a substantially box-shaped case 120 whosebottom surface is open. The bottom surface of the case 120 is closed bya plate-shaped cap 122. The case 120 and the cap 122 form a portion ofthe aforementioned housing 88A. A releasing link 124 is fixed to the topsurface of the case 120. Further, when the shift lever 12 is disposed atthe “P” shift position, the lever 112 is disposed at the upper portionof the case 120.

[0143] A stopper 126 serving as an anchor member of a lock member isprovided within the case 120. The stopper 126 has a plate-shapedvertical wall 128. The vertical wall 128 is disposed vertically, andinclined surfaces 128A are formed at both vehicle longitudinal directionend portions of the upper portion. The vertical wall 128 projects fromthe top surface of the case 120, and is disposed at the vehicle leftside of the lever 112 when the shift lever 12 is disposed in the “P”shift position. The vehicle right side side surface of the vertical wall128 is an anchor surface 128B. The stopper 126 (the vertical wall 128)is movable in the vehicle vertical direction, and is urged toward thetop of the vehicle by a compression coil spring 130 (spring) which spansbetween the stopper 126 and the cap 122. In this way, the stopper 126 isdisposed at a lock position (an upper side position).

[0144] The stopper 126 has a substantially plate-shaped horizontal wall132. The horizontal wall 132 is disposed horizontally and is integralwith the vertical wall 128. A pair of holding claws 134 are provided atthe bottom surface of the horizontal wall 132. The pair of holding claws134 respectively project in L-shapes in cross-section toward the vehiclebottom side (the side of a magnet 150 which will be described later),and oppose one another. Further, a predetermined number of anchor claws(not illustrated) are provided at the bottom surface of the horizontalwall 132. The respective anchor claws project toward the bottom of thevehicle.

[0145] A rectangular-plate-shaped yoke 136 is slide-inserted between thepair of holding claws 134. Each holding claw 134 supports an end portionof the yoke 136. In this way, the yoke 136 is provided at the stopper126 in a state in which the bottom surface (absorption surface 136A) ofthe yoke 136 is open. The thickness of the yoke 136 is smaller than thegap between the bottom surface of the horizontal wall 132 and the distalends of the respective holding claws 134. In this way, the yoke 136 isfreely inclinable with respect to the stopper 126.

[0146] A predetermined number (four in the present embodiment) of anchorholes 138 are formed in the yoke 136. Due to the aforementioned anchorclaws being inserted into the anchor holes 138, the yoke 136 is impededfrom falling out from the stopper 126.

[0147] A cushion 140 is attached to the horizontal wall 132. The cushion140 is formed from rubber and is elastic. At the cushion 140, conicalregions are provided at the top end and the bottom end, and the bothconical regions are connected by a central solid cylindrical region. Theconical region at the bottom end of the cushion 140 abuts the center ofthe yoke 136. The cushion 140 thereby presses the yoke 136 toward thebottom of the vehicle (the side of the magnet 150 which will bedescribed later).

[0148] A slider 142, which serves as a releasing member of the lockmember, is provided within the case 120. The slider 142 has aplate-shaped slide wall 144. The slide wall 144 is disposed vertically.The slide wall 144 is inserted through the proximal end of thehorizontal wall 132 of the stopper 126, and abuts the vertical wall 128of the stopper 126. Further, the top surface of the slide wall 144 isformed to be an anchor releasing surface 144A and is inclined toward thebottom right of the vehicle. Moreover, the top portion of the slide wall144 projects from the top surface of the case 120, and is disposed atthe vehicle left side of the lever 112 when the shift lever 12 isdisposed at the “P” shift position.

[0149] A box-shaped fixing portion 146, whose top surface is open, isprovided integrally with the bottom portion of the slide wall 144. Thefixing portion 146 is disposed beneath the yoke 136. The slider 142 (thefixing portion 146) is movable in vertical directions, and is urgedupward by a compression coil spring 148 (spring), which-spans betweenthe slider 142 and the cap 122, so as to be set in an engageable stateC.

[0150] The magnet 150 serving as an electromagnet is fixed within thefixing portion 146. The magnet 150 always moves integrally with theslider 142, and is disposed beneath the yoke 136. The magnet 150 isconnected to the brake (not shown) via the aforementioned circuitsubstrate 90 and connector 92. Due to the brake being operated, thebrake brakes the vehicle. Further, when the brake is operated at thetime when the shift lever 12 is turned from the “P” shift position tothe “R” shift position side, a fixed iron core 150A of the magnet 150generates magnetic force and can adhere to (attract) the yoke 136.

[0151] Here, when the shift lever 12 is turned from the “P” shiftposition to the “R” shift position side (when the shift lever 12 isturned toward the left of the vehicle), the lever 112 abuts the topsurface of the slide wall 144 and pushes the slide wall 144 downward.The slider 142 and the magnet 150 are thereby moved downward.

[0152] Further, if the brake is not operated at this time, as shown inFIG. 10, the magnet 150 does not generate magnetic force, and the yoke136 does not adhere to the magnet 150. Thus, the stopper 126 is disposedat the lock position without moving downward (lever lock state A). Inthis way, movement of the lever 112 is impeded by the vertical wall 128of the stopper 126, the shift lever 12 cannot be turned sufficientlytoward the left of the vehicle and the shift lever 12 is unable to beturned toward the rear of the vehicle, and changing from the “P” shiftposition of the shift lever 12 to the “R” shift position is impeded.

[0153] On the other hand, when the brake is operated at this time, asshown in FIG. 11, the magnet 150 generates magnetic force, and due tothis magnetic force, the yoke 136 is adhered to the magnet 150. Thus,the stopper 126 moves downward and is disposed in the releasing position(the lower side position) (lever unlock state B). In this way, themovement of the lever 112 is not impeded by the vertical wall 128 of thestopper 126, the shift lever 12 can be sufficiently turned to the leftof the vehicle, and the shift lever 12 can be turned toward the rear ofthe vehicle. Accordingly, changing from the “P” shift position of theshift lever 12 to the “R” shift position is permitted.

[0154] Further, in a case in which the shift lever 12 is changed fromthe “R” shift position to the “P” shift position, when the shift lever12 is turned toward the front of the vehicle, due to the inclinedsurfaces 128A of the vertical wall 128 of the stopper 126 being pushedby the movement of the lever 112, the stopper 126 moves downward and isdisposed at the releasing position, and the yoke 136, which movestogether with the stopper 126, pushes the magnet 150, and the slider 142is moved downward. In this way, the movement of the lever 112 is notimpeded by the vertical wall 128 of the stopper 126 and the slide wall144 of the slider 142, and the shift lever 12 can be sufficiently turnedtoward the front of the vehicle, and the shift lever 12 can be turnedtoward the right of the vehicle. Accordingly, there is a structure inwhich the shift lever 12 can be changed from the “R” shift position tothe “P” shift position.

[0155] Moreover, the shift lock unit 88 is, via the aforementionedconnector 92, connected to a key interlock mechanism 200 (see FIG. 14)which serves as a lock mechanism.

[0156] In the key interlock mechanism 200, at a key operation portion202 shown in FIG. 17, a key insertion/removal hole 206 is formed at thesurface side of a body 204. As shown in FIG. 14, a lock cam 208, whichserves as an interlocking member and a member to be locked, is rotatablysupported at the reverse side of the body 204. When an ignition key 210(an operation member) is inserted into the key insertion/removal hole206 and is rotated and operated, the lock cam 208 interlocks with theignition key 210, and can rotate in a given rotational range around arotation central line 208A. A concave portion 212 is formed at the outerperiphery of the lock cam 208. An abutment surface 212A, which is usedas both an anchor surface and an anchor releasing surface, is formed atthe concave portion 212.

[0157] A case 214 is formed integrally with the body 204 next to thelock cam 208. Within the case 214, in addition to an electromagnet 216being fixed, a lock member 222, which has an anchor member 218 and areleasing member 220, is accommodated so as to be movable with respectto the case 214 and the electromagnet 216. At the anchor member 218 ofthe lock member 222, a stopper portion 224 is formed so as to face thelock cam 208, and an attraction portion 228, which has a yoke 226, isformed to face a fixed iron core 216A of the electromagnet 216, at theside opposite the stopper portion 224 with the electromagnet 216therebetween. At the releasing member 220 of the lock member 222, anabutment portion 230 is formed between the stopper portion 224 of theanchor member 218 and the electromagnet 216, and a pusher portion 232,which sandwiches the attraction portion 228 of the anchor member 218between the pusher portion 232 and the electromagnet 216, is formed. Theanchor member 218 and the releasing member 220 are relatively movable indirection X of a attracting force F (see FIG. 16) of the fixed iron core216A of the electromagnet 216 which works with respect to a attractionsurface 226A of the yoke 226 of the anchor member 218.

[0158] In addition to the anchor member 218 and the releasing member220, the lock member 222 is equipped with a compression coil spring 234(spring) connected between the pusher portion 232 of the releasingmember 220 and the case 214, and a compression coil spring 236 (spring)connected between the abutment portion 230 of the releasing member 220and the attracting portion 228 of the anchor member 218. Due to theelastic force of the compression coil spring 234, the anchor member 218and the releasing member 220 are urged toward the aforementioned lockcam 208. Due to the elastic force of the compression coil spring 236,the releasing member 220 is urged toward the opposite side of theaforementioned lock cam 208 with respect to the anchor member 218. Ananchor surface 224A is formed at the stopper portion 224 of the anchormember 218, and an anchor releasing surface 230A is formed at theabutment portion 230 of the releasing member 220, adjacent to the anchorsurface 224A. The moving direction of the anchor surface 224A and theanchor releasing surface 230A (direction X of the attracting force F ofthe electromagnet 216) intersects with direction Y of the locus ofrotation of the abutment surface 212A of the lock cam 208.

[0159] In the state shown in FIG. 14, at the shift operation portion 80shown in FIG. 18, the shift lever 12 is operated at the “P” shiftposition (park position P), and the ignition key 210 shown in FIG. 17 isoperated at a key rotation operation position 238 (for example, the ACCposition, among the ACC position and the ON position and ST). Both theanchor member 218 and the releasing member 220 of the lock member 222are urged toward the lock cam 208 by the elastic force of theaforementioned compression coil spring 234, the attraction portion 228of the anchor member 218 abuts the electromagnet 216 which is in ademagnetized state, and the pusher portion 232 of the releasing member220 abuts the attracting portion 228. Further, the stopper portion 224of the anchor member 218 and the abutment portion 230 of the releasingmember 220 abut each other, the anchor surface 224A of the stopperportion 224 enters into the locus of rotation of the abutment surface212A of the lock cam 208, and the anchor releasing surface 230A of theabutment portion 230 also is in the engageable state C and enters intothe locus of rotation of the abutment surface 212A of the lock cam 208.

[0160] From the state shown in FIG. 14, in a case in which an attempt ismade to rotate the ignition key 210 shown in FIG. 17 to a keyinsertion/removal possible position 240 (the LOCK position), it isstructured electrically such that the demagnetized state of theaforementioned electromagnet 216 is maintained and the attracting forceF is cancelled. Thus, when the abutment surface 212A of the lock cam 208presses the anchor releasing surface 230A of the abutment portion 230 ofthe releasing member 220, as shown in FIG. 15, the releasing member 220moves against the elastic force of the compression coil spring 234 andthe anchor releasing surface 230A withdraws from the engageable state C,and the anchor member 218 as well is pushed by the releasing member 220via the compression coil spring 236 and withdraws, and a key unlockstate A (unlock state) arises. In this key unlock state A, the abutmentsurface 212A of the lock cam 208 can pass by without abutting the anchorsurface 224A of the stopper portion 224 of the anchor member 218. Thus,the ignition key 210 can be operated from the key rotation operationposition 238 (the ACC position) to the key insertion/removal possibleposition 240 (the LOCK position) and pulled out.

[0161] In the shift operation portion 80 shown in FIG. 18, in the statein which the shift lever 12 is operated to a position 242 other than the“P” shift position, in a case in which an attempt is made to rotate theignition key 210 shown in FIG. 17 to the key insertion/removal possibleposition 240 (the LOCK position), it is structured electrically suchthat the electromagnet 216 in the demagnetized state is excited and theattracting force F thereof is generated. Thus, when the abutment surface212A of the lock cam 208 pushes the anchor releasing surface 230A of theabutment portion 230 of the releasing member 220, as shown in FIG. 16,only the releasing member 220 moves against the elastic force of thecompression coil spring 234, and the anchor releasing surface 230Awithdraws from the engageable state C. The anchor member 218 isattracted to the fixed iron core 216A of the electromagnet 216 at theattraction surface 226A of the yoke 226 thereof, and a key lock state B(lock state) arises. In this key lock state B, the abutment surface 212Aof the lock cam 208 abuts the anchor surface 224A of the stopper portion224 of the anchor member 218. Thus, the ignition key 210 cannot beoperated from the key rotation operation position 238 (the ACC position)to the key insertion/removal possible position 240 (the LOCK position)and cannot be pulled out.

[0162] In the key unlock state A shown in FIG. 15, in a case in whichthe ignition key 210 is rotated from the key insertion/removal possibleposition 240 (the LOCK position) to the key rotation operation position238 (the ACC position), the aforementioned electromagnet 216 returns tothe state shown in FIG. 14 while the demagnetized state is maintainedand the attracting force F thereof remains cancelled. Further, in thekey lock state B shown in FIG. 16, in a case in which the ignition key210 is rotated to the key rotation operation position 238 (the ACCposition), the electromagnet 216 in the excited state is demagnetized,the attracting force F thereof is canceled, and the electromagnet 216returns to the state shown in FIG. 14.

[0163] Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

[0164] In the shift lever device 10 of the above-described structure, ifthe brake is not operated when the shift lever 12 is turned from the “P”shift position to the “R” shift position side, the magnet 150 of theshift lock mechanism 118 does not generate magnetic force. Thus, asshown in FIG. 10, the stopper 126 is disposed at the lock positionwithout the yoke 136 adhering to the magnet 150. In this way, the changefrom the “P” shift position of the shift lever 12 to the “R” shiftposition is impeded by the stopper 126.

[0165] On the other hand, if the brake is operated when the shift leveris turned from the “P” shift position to the “R” shift position side,the magnet 150 generates magnetic force. Thus, as shown in FIG. 11, dueto the yoke 136 adhering to the magnet 150 due to this magnetic force,the stopper 126 is moved to the releasing position. In this way, thechange from the “P” shift position of the shift lever to the “R” shiftposition is permitted.

[0166] In accordance with this shift lock mechanism 118, the attractingforce of the fixed iron core 150A of the magnet 150 is utilized inswitching between the lever lock state A and the lever unlock state B.Thus, as compared with a conventional case using the plunger (movableiron core) of an electromagnetic solenoid, rising and falling of theiron core 150A is eliminated and the mechanism can be made more compact.Further, the movement of the iron core 150A is suppressed, and theamount of electric power can be reduced.

[0167] Moreover, in the lever lock state A in which the brake is notdepressed, the magnet 150 is in an un-energized state. Thus, the amountof electric power can be reduced even more.

[0168] Further, due to the stopper 126 and the slider 142 which form thelock member, the switching between the lever lock state A and the leverunlock state B is carried out smoothly by utilizing the attracting forceof the fixed iron core 150A of the magnet 150.

[0169] Moreover, the stopper 126 and the slider 142 forming the lockmember can be brought together compactly, and the mechanism can be madecompact.

[0170] Further, due to the compression coil spring 130 which urges thestopper 126 to return to the lever lock state A from the lever unlockstate B, the switching between the lever lock state A and the leverunlock state B can be carried out even more smoothly by utilizing theattracting force of the fixed iron core 150A of the magnet 150.

[0171] Moreover, due to the compression coil spring 148 which urges theslider 142 to return to the aforementioned engageable state C, theswitching between the lever lock state A and the lever unlock state Bcan be carried out even more smoothly by utilizing the attracting forceof the fixed iron core 150A of the magnet 150.

[0172] Further, here, the yoke 136 is provided so as to be freelyinclinable at the stopper 126. Thus, even in a case in which the magnet150 is inclined with respect to the yoke 136 when the yoke 136 adheresto the magnet 150 due to dispersion in the dimensions at the case 120,the cap 122, the stopper 126, the yoke 136, the slider 142, or themagnet 150 or the like or dispersion in the assembly thereof or the likearising, a gap can be prevented from opening between the yoke 136 andthe magnet 150 due to the yoke 136 inclining in accordance with theinclination of the magnet 150 as shown in FIG. 12. Thus, a deteriorationin the close fit between the yoke 136 and the magnet 150 is prevented,and the adhesive force of the yoke 136 and the magnet 150 can beprevented from deteriorating.

[0173] Moreover, due to the pair of holding claws 134 provided at thestopper 126 respectively projecting in L-shapes in cross-section towardthe magnet 150 side and supporting the end portions of the yoke 136, theyoke 136 is freely inclinable with respect to the stopper 126. Thus,with a simple structure, the yoke 136 can be provided so as to be freelyinclinable with respect to the stopper 126.

[0174] Further, the cushion 140 provided at the stopper 126 is elasticand pushes the yoke 136 toward the magnet 150 side. Thus, clattering ofthe yoke 136 can be suppressed, and the abutment noise of the yoke 136and the magnet 150 when the yoke 136 adheres to the magnet 150 can beprevented from resonating.

[0175] Note that, in the present embodiment, the shift lever device 10is structured to be a gate-type device. However, the shift lever devicemay be structured to be a so-called tiptronic-type gate-type device suchas shown in FIG. 19 or a so-called straight-type (including thetiptronic-type) device such as shown in FIG. 20.

[0176] Here, in a straight-type shift lever device 152 shown in FIG. 20,the shift position can be changed by guiding the shift lever in a guidehole 154 and turning the shift lever only in the vehicle longitudinaldirection.

[0177] Further, generally, in the straight-type shift lever device 152,a knob button is provided at the distal end of the shift lever, and adetent pin is provided in a vicinity of the proximal end of the shiftlever. Due to the knob button being pressed, the detent pin slidestoward the axial direction of the shift lever. Moreover, a detent plate,in which a predetermined detent groove is formed, is set in a vicinityof the shift lever. This is a structure in which, if the knob button isnot pushed when the shift lever is positioned at the “P” shift position,the detent pin cannot ride over the detent groove, and changing to the“R” shift position of the shift lever is impeded.

[0178] Thus, in order to equip the straight-type shift lever device 152with the shift lock mechanism 118, it suffices to form a structure inwhich the shift lock mechanism 118 is provided in correspondence withthe position of the detent pin at the time when, for example, the shiftlever is disposed at the “P” shift position. Namely, if the brake is notoperated when the shift lever is turned from the “P” shift position tothe “R” shift position side, the vertical wall 128 of the stopper 126disposed at the lock position impedes the sliding of the detent pin.Thus, the knob button cannot be pressed and the change to the “R” shiftposition of the shift lever is impeded, whereas if the brake is operatedat this time, the vertical wall 128 of the stopper 126 is disposed atthe releasing position, and the sliding of the detent pin is notimpeded. Thus, it suffices to form a structure in which a shift locksolenoid 18 is set at a position at which the knob button can be pressedand the change to the “R” shift position of the shift lever ispermitted.

[0179] Moreover, the present embodiment is a structure in which, whenthe brake is operated at the time the shift lever is turned from the “P”shift position (a predetermined shift position) to the “R” shiftposition (another shift position) side, the magnet 150 generatesmagnetic force. However, a structure may be used in which the magnetgenerates magnetic force under other predetermined conditions. Or, astructure may be used in which the magnet demagnetizes the magneticforce due to a specific condition (e.g., brake operation at the timewhen the shift lever is turned from a predetermined shift position toanother shift position side).

[0180] Moreover, the present embodiment is structured such that, whenthe magnet 150 does not generate magnetic force, the stopper 126 isdisposed at the lock position, whereas when the magnet 150 generatesmagnetic force, the stopper 126 is disposed at the releasing position.However, a structure may be used in which, when the magnet does notgenerate magnetic force, the stopper is disposed at the releasingposition, whereas when the magnet generates magnetic force, the stopperis disposed at the lock position.

[0181] Further, the present embodiment is structured such that the yoke136 is provided at the stopper 126 and the magnet 150 is provided at theslider 142. However, a structure may be used in which the yoke and themagnet are provided at other parts (e.g., a structure in which themagnet is provided at the stopper and the yoke is provided at theslider). Moreover, a structure may be used in which only the stopper(the anchor member) is provided without providing the slider, and eitherone of the magnet and the yoke is provided at the stopper, and the otherof the magnet and the yoke is fixed to the case. In this case, when themagnet does not generate magnetic force, the stopper is disposed at thelock position due to urging force, whereas when the magnet generatesmagnetic force, the stopper moves to the releasing position due to themagnetic force.

[0182] Moreover, the present embodiment is structured such that a pairof the holding claws 134 is provided at the stopper 126. However, astructure may be used in which only one, or three or more holding clawsare provided at the stopper.

[0183] Further, in a case in which the orientation or the place ofsetting the shift lock mechanism 118 is changed and the shift lockmechanism 118 is disposed, there is no need to provide the portion to belocked, which corresponds to the lever 112, integrally with the shiftlever 12, and no need to provide the fulcrum of rotation which is therotating shaft 86. The portion to be locked may be interlocked with theshift lever 112 via a link mechanism or the like.

[0184] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 18, at the shift lever device 10, dueto the turning position, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, of theshift lever 12 being changed, the “D” shift position and the “2” shiftposition of the shift lever 12 are changed.

[0185] Further, due to the shift lever 12 being turned toward the rightof the vehicle from the “D” shift position, the shift lever 12 ischanged to the “4” shift position. At this time, the link 30 of theshift lock unit 88 is rotated in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 5 bythe shift lever 12. On the other hand, due to the shift lever 12 beingturned toward the left of the vehicle from the “2” shift position, theshift lever 12 is changed to the “L” shift position. At this time aswell, the link 30 is rotated in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 5 bythe shift lever 12.

[0186] Moreover, the turning position, in the vehicle longitudinaldirection, of the shift lever 12 is detected by the NSS 18 shown in FIG.8. In this way, in a case in which, as in the present embodiment, theturning position, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, of the shiftlever 12 is the same at the “D” shift position and the “4” shiftposition and is the same at the “2” shift position and the “L” shiftposition, it can be detected which of the “D” shift position or the “4”shift position, and the “2” shift position or the “L” shift position,the shift lever 12 is positioned at.

[0187] Further, the rotational position of the link 30 is detected bythe slider 38 shown in FIG. 5 and the detecting member 48. In this way,it can be detected which of the “D” shift position or the “2” shiftposition, and the “4” shift position or the “L” shift position, theshift lever 12 is positioned at.

[0188] Accordingly, by the NSS 18, the slider 38, and the detectingmember 48, it can be detected which of the “D” shift position and the“4” shift position and the “2” shift position and the “L” shiftposition, the shift lever 12 is positioned at.

[0189] Here, the link 30 is rotated in the same direction of arrow A inFIG. 5, when the shift lever 12 is changed from the “D” shift positionto the “4” shift position, and when the shift lever 12 is changed fromthe “2” shift position to the “L” shift position. Thus, the slidingdirection of the slider 38, which detects the rotational position of thelink 30, is only one, and the amount of sliding is small. In this way,the placement size (width W in FIG. 5) of the detecting member 48 can bemade small. The placement space of the detecting member 48 can be madecompact, and accordingly, compactness of the device can be aimed for.

[0190] Further, here, the rotation central axis P of the link 30 isdisposed between the “D” shift position of the shift lever 12 and the“2” shift position. The link 30 is rotatable parallel to the verticalplane along the vehicle longitudinal direction (the plane of turning, inthe predetermined direction, of the shift lever 12).

[0191] Moreover, when the shift lever 12 is changed from the “D” shiftposition to the “4” shift position, due to the switching plate 26 of theshift lever 12 displacing the first arm 32 of the link 30 toward thebottom of the vehicle, the link 30 is rotated in the direction of arrowA in FIG. 5.

[0192] On the other hand, when the shift lever 12 is changed from the“2” shift position to the “L” shift position, due to the switching rod28 of the shift lever 12 displacing the second arm 34 of the link 30toward the top of the vehicle, the link 30 is rotated in the directionof arrow A in FIG. 5.

[0193] Thus, a structure in which the link 30 is always rotated in thesame direction can easily be realized.

[0194] Further, even in cases in which the amount of turning of theshift lever 12 is different when the shift lever 12 is changed from the“D” shift position to the “4” shift position and when the shift lever 12is changed from the “2” shift position to the “L” shift position, byadjusting the angle of inclination of the receiving portion 32A of thefirst arm 32 distal end or the angle of inclination of the bent portion34A bottom surface of the second arm 34 distal end, the amount ofrotation of the link 30 can be made to always be the same.

[0195] Moreover, here, as shown in FIG. 8, the signal regarding theturning position, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, of the shiftlever 12 which is detected by the NSS 18, is transmitted to thedetecting member 48, and switching is carried out on the basis of therotational position of the link 30 for which the transmission directionof the received signal was detected by the detecting member 48. Thus,the shift position detecting mechanism of the shift lever 12 can bestructured simply as compared with a case in which the signal regardingthe turning position, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, of theshift lever 12 which is detected by the NSS 18, and the signal regardingthe rotational position of the link 30 detected by the detecting member48, are transmitted in a state of being multiplexed.

[0196] Further, as shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with the shift lockunit 88, the shift lock mechanism 118, and the link 30, the slider 38,and the detecting member 48, which serve as the sensing mechanism, areprovided integrally. Thus, compactness can be aimed for as compared witha case in which the shift lock mechanism and the sensing mechanism areprovided separately.

[0197] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the rotation of the link30 is guided by the fitting-together of the penetrating shaft 104 of thelink 30 into the through hole 100 of the housing 88A, thefitting-together of the supporting shaft 98 peripheral surface of thehousing 88A with the fit-together concave portion 102 inner peripheralsurface of the link 30, the anchoring of the anchor projections 104A ofthe link 30 on the projecting portion 96 of the housing 88A, and theabutting of the fit-together concave portion 102 bottom surface with thesupporting shaft 98 side surface. In addition, the bottom portion of thelink main body 30A is inserted between the guide wall 110A and the guideprojecting portion 110B of the housing 88A in a state of abutting both,and the rotation of the link 30 is guided by the guide wall 110A and theguide projecting portion 110B. In this way, the rotation of the link 30can be prevented from moving in the rotation perpendicular direction(the vehicle left-right direction).

[0198] Further, by rotating the link 30 until the rotational positionsof the respective anchor projections 104A of the link 30 coincide withthe respective insertion holes 100A of the housing 88A, the link 30 canbe removed from the supporting shaft 98 of the housing 88A. Thus, incases in which, differently from the present embodiment, the link 30 isnot needed in a tiptronic-type gate-type shift lever device such asshown in FIG. 19 or a straight-type (including the tiptronic-type) shiftlever device such as shown in FIG. 20, the link 30 can be easily removedfrom the shift lock unit 88, and the shift lock unit 88 can be commonlyused in these shift lever devices as well.

[0199] Moreover, when the link 30 is rotated in the direction of arrow Ain FIG. 5 by the shift lever 12, the torsion coil spring 106 appliestorque in the opposite direction of arrow A to the link 30 and restoresthe link 30 to the initial rotational position. The link 30, which isrestored to the initial rotational position, abuts the elastic member108 which is elastic. Thus, the generation of abutment noise when thelink 30 is restored to the initial rotational position can be prevented.

[0200] Note that, the present embodiment is structured such that, whenthe shift lever 12 is changed from the “D” shift position (the firstshift position) to the “4” shift position (the third shift position),the first arm 32 is displaced toward the bottom of the vehicle (theproximal end side of the shift lever 12), whereas when the shift lever12 is changed from the “2” shift position (the second shift position) tothe “L” shift position (the fourth shift position), the second arm 34 isdisplaced toward the top of the vehicle (the distal end side of theshift lever 12). However, a structure may be used in which, when theshift lever is changed from the first shift position to the third shiftposition, the first arm is displaced toward the distal end side of theshift lever, whereas when the shift lever is changed from the secondshift position to the fourth shift position, the second arm is displacedtoward the proximal end side of the shift lever.

[0201] Moreover, the present embodiment is structured such that the NSS18 is directly connected to the meter 20. However, as shown in FIG. 21,a structure may be used in which the NSS 18 (first detecting portion) isconnected indirectly to the meter 20 via a so-called engine controllingdevice 54.

[0202] Namely, in the case of this structure, a “P” intermediateterminal, an “R” intermediate terminal, an “N” intermediate terminal, a“D” intermediate terminal, a “4” intermediate terminal, a “3”intermediate terminal, a “2” intermediate terminal, and an “L”intermediate terminal are provided at the engine controlling device 54.

[0203] The “P” intermediate terminal, the “R” intermediate terminal, the“N” intermediate terminal, the “D” intermediate terminal, the “3”intermediate terminal, and the “2” intermediate terminal of the enginecontrolling device 54 are connected to the “P” terminal, the “R”terminal, the “N” terminal, the “D” terminal, the “2” terminal and the“L” terminal of the NSS 18, respectively.

[0204] The wire between the “D” intermediate terminal of the enginecontrolling device 54 and the “D” terminal of the NSS 18, and the “4”intermediate terminal of the engine controlling device 54 are connectedin a state in which a “D-4” switch 56 is interposed therebetween. The“D-4” switch 56 enables ON/OFF of the connection of the “D” terminal andthe “4” intermediate terminal.

[0205] The wire between the “2” intermediate terminal of the enginecontrolling device 54 and the “L” terminal of the NSS 18, and the “L”intermediate terminal of the engine controlling device 54 are connectedin a state in which a “2-L” switch 58 is interposed therebetween. The“2-L” switch 58 enables ON/OFF of the connection of the “L” terminal andthe “L” intermediate terminal.

[0206] Here, when a signal from the “P” terminal, the “R” terminal, the“N” terminal or the “2” terminal of the NSS 18 is transmitted, thesignal is received by the “P” intermediate terminal, the “R”intermediate terminal, the “N” intermediate terminal, or the “3”intermediate terminal of the engine controlling device 54, respectively,and the “P” lamp, the “R” lamp, the “N” lamp, or the “3” lamp of themeter 20 is lit.

[0207] Further, the aforementioned “D-4” switch 56 corresponds to the“D” terminal 52A, the “4” terminal 52B, and the “D-4” terminal 52C ofthe detecting member 48, whereas the aforementioned “2-L” switch 58corresponds to the “2-L” terminal 52D, the “2” terminal 52E, and the “L”terminal 52F of the detecting member 48.

[0208] When the shift lever 12 is positioned at the “D” shift positionor the “2” shift position, due to the distal ends of the respectivecontact plates 44 contacting the “D” terminal 52A, the “D-4” terminal52C, the “2-L” terminal 52D, and the “2” terminal 52E of the detectingmember 48 respectively, at the “D-4” switch 56, the connection betweenthe “D” terminal of the NSS 18 and the “4” intermediate terminal of theengine controlling device 54 is turned OFF, and at the “2-L” switch 58,the connection between the “L” terminal of the NSS 18 and the “L”intermediate terminal of the engine controlling device 54 is turned OFF.Thus, due to the signal from the “D” terminal or the “L” terminal beingtransmitted, only the “D” intermediate terminal or only the “2”intermediate terminal, respectively, receives this signal, and the “D”lamp or the “2” lamp of the meter 20 is turned on.

[0209] Further, when the shift lever 12 is positioned at the “4” shiftposition or the “L” shift position, due to the distal ends of therespective contact plates 44 contacting the “4” terminal 52B, the “D-4”terminal 52C, the “2-L” terminal 52D, and the “L” terminal 52F of thedetecting member 48 respectively, at the “D-4” switch 56, the connectionbetween the “D” terminal of the NSS 18 and the “4” intermediate terminalof the engine controlling device 54 is turned ON, and at the “2-L”switch 58, the connection between the “L” terminal of the NSS 18 and the“L” intermediate terminal of the engine controlling device 54 is turnedON. Thus, due to the signal from the “D” terminal or the “L” terminalbeing transmitted, the “D intermediate terminal and the “4” intermediateterminal, or the “2” intermediate terminal and the “L” intermediateterminal, respectively, receive this signal, and the “4” lamp or the “L”lamp of the meter 20 is turned on.

[0210] Moreover, at the key interlock mechanism 200 shown in FIG. 14,the shift lever 12 being operated at the “P” shift position is detectedby the shift position detecting portion 94 (see FIG. 2 and the like) ofthe shift lock unit 88. In a case in which an attempt is made to rotatethe ignition key 210 from the state in which the ignition key 210 shownin FIG. 17 is operated at the key rotation operation position 238 (theACC position) to the key insertion/removal possible position 240 (theLOCK position), the electromagnet 216 is set in a demagnetized state,and the attracting force F thereof is cancelled. Thus, when the abutmentsurface 212A of the lock cam 208 presses the anchor releasing surface230A of the abutment portion 230 of the releasing member 220, as shownin FIG. 15, the releasing member 220 moves against the elastic force ofthe compression coil spring 234, and the anchor releasing surface 230Athereof withdraws from the engageable state C. Further, the anchormember 218 as well is pushed by the releasing member 220 via thecompression coil spring 236 and withdraws, and the key unlock state Aarises. In this key unlock state A, the abutment surface 212A of thelock cam 208 can pass by without abutting the anchor surface 224A of thestopper portion 224 of the anchor member 218. Thus, the ignition key 210can be operated from the key rotation operation position 238 (the ACCposition) to the key insertion/removal possible position 240 (the LOCKposition) and can be pulled out.

[0211] On the other hand, in a case in which an attempt is made torotate the ignition key 210 to the key insertion/removal possibleposition 240 (the LOCK position) in the state in which the shift lever12 is operated to the position 242 other than the “P” shift position,the electromagnet 216 which is in a demagnetized state is excited andthe attracting force F thereof is generated. Thus, when the abutmentsurface 212A of the lock cam 208 presses the anchor releasing surface230A of the abutment portion 230 of the releasing member 220, as shownin FIG. 16, only the releasing member 220 moves against the elasticforce of the compression coil spring 234, and the anchor releasingsurface 230A thereof withdraws from the engageable state C. The anchormember 218 is attracted to the fixed iron core 216A of the electromagnet216 at the attraction surface 226A of the yoke 226, and the key lockstate B arises. In this key lock state B, the abutment surface 212A ofthe lock cam 208 abuts the anchor surface 224A of the stopper portion224 of the anchor member 218. Thus, the ignition key 210 cannot beoperated from the key rotation operation position 238 (the ACC position)to the key insertion/removal possible position 240 (the LOCK position),and cannot be pulled out.

[0212] Here, in accordance with the key interlock mechanism 200, theattracting force of the fixed iron core 216A of the electromagnet 216 isused in switching between the key lock state B and the key unlock stateA. Thus, as compared with a conventional case using the plunger (movableiron core) of an electromagnetic solenoid, rising and falling of theiron core 216A is eliminated, and the mechanism can be made morecompact. Further, the movement of the iron core 216A can be suppressed,and the amount of electric power can be reduced.

[0213] Moreover, in the key unlock state A in which the ignition key 210can be pulled out, the electromagnet 216 is un-energized. Thus, theamount of electric power can be reduced even more.

[0214] Further, due to the anchor member 218 and the releasing member220 which form the lock member 222, the switching between the key lockstate B and the key unlock state A can be carried out smoothly byutilizing the attracting force F of the fixed iron core 216A of theelectromagnet 216.

[0215] Moreover, the anchor member 218 and the releasing member 220which form the lock member 222 can be brought together compactly, andthe mechanism can be made more compact.

[0216] Further, due to the compression coil spring 236 of the lockmember 222 which urges the anchor member 218 to return to the key unlockstate A from the key lock state B, switching between the key lock stateB and the key unlock state A can be carried out even more smoothly byutilizing the attracting force F of the fixed iron core 216A of theelectromagnet 216.

[0217] Moreover, due to the compression coil spring 234 of the lockmember 222 which urges the releasing member 220 to return to theaforementioned engageable state C, switching between the key lock stateB and the key unlock state A can be carried out even more smoothly byutilizing the attracting force F of the fixed iron core 216A of theelectromagnet 216.

[0218] Further, the shift position detecting portion 94, which detectsthat the shift lever 12 is positioned at the “P” shift position, isprovided at the shift lock unit 88. Thus, as compared with a case inwhich the shift position detecting portion is provided separately fromthe shift lock unit, even more compactness can be aimed for.

[0219] Moreover, the shift position detecting portion 94 can be removedfrom the shift lock unit 88. Thus, in a shift lever device which doesnot require the shift position detecting portion 94, in a case in whichthe key interlock mechanism is mechanically operated or the like, whichis different than the present embodiment in which the key interlockmechanism 200 is operated electrically, the shift position detectingportion 94 can be removed from the shift lock unit 88, and the shiftlock unit 88 can be used in this shift lever device as well.

[0220] Note that, in the present embodiment, the electromagnet 216 isfixed to the case 214, and the anchor member 218 and the releasingmember 220 of the lock member 222 can move with respect to the case 214.In place of this structure, a structure is possible which is the samewith respect to the point that the anchor member and the releasingmember of the lock member can move with respect to the case, but theanchor member and the electromagnet can move integrally. In this case,the attraction surface which opposes the electromagnet is fixed to thecase.

[0221] Further, a structure may be used in which, as the lock member222, only either one of the anchor member 218 and the releasing member220 is provided, and the either one of the anchor member 218 and thereleasing member 220 is urged toward the side opposite the lock cam 208and can move toward the lock cam 208 side. In this case, either one ofthe electromagnet 216 and the attraction surface 226A is provided at theeither one of the anchor member 218 and the releasing member 220, andthe other of the electromagnet 216 and the attraction surface 226A isfixed to the case 214. In this way, when the electromagnet 216 isexcited, either one of the anchor member 218 and the releasing member220 moves toward the lock cam 208 side, and can abut the abutmentsurface 212A of the lock cam 208.

[0222] Moreover, the present embodiment is a structure in which the keyinterlock mechanism 200 is provided. However, a structure may be used inwhich the aforementioned shift lock mechanism 118 is used as the keyinterlock mechanism.

[0223] In this structure, the case 120 of the shift lock mechanism 118is formed integrally with the body 204 next to the lock cam 208.Moreover, at the inclined surface of the distal end of the slider wall144, the slider 142 of the shift lock mechanism 118 enters into thelocus of rotation of the abutment surface 212A of the lock cam 208.Further, the stopper 126 of the shift lock mechanism 118 is fixed to thecase 120.

[0224] Here, in this structure, the shift lever 12 being operated at the“P” shift position is detected by the shift position detecting portion94 of the shift lock unit 88. When an attempt is made to rotate theignition key 210 from the state in which the ignition key 210 shown inFIG. 17 is operated at the key rotation operation position 238 (e.g.,the ACC position) to the key insertion/removal possible position 240(the LOCK position), the magnet 150 is set in a demagnetized state, andthe attracting force thereof is cancelled. Thus, when the abutmentsurface 212A of the lock cam 208 pushes the inclined surface of thedistal end of the slide wall 144, the slider 142 moves against theelastic force of the compression coil spring 48 and withdraws from theengageable state C, and the key unlock state A (the unlock state)arises. In this key unlock state A, the abutment surface 212A of thelock cam 208 can pass by without obstructing the inclined surface of thedistal end of the slide wall 144. Thus, the ignition key 210 can beoperated from the key rotation operation position 238 (the ACC position)to the key insertion/removal possible position 240 (the LOCK position)and can be pulled out.

[0225] On the other hand, when an attempt is made to rotate the ignitionkey 210 to the key insertion/removal possible position 240 (the LOCKposition) in the state in which the shift lever 12 is operated to theposition 242 other than the “P” shift position, the magnet 150 which isin the demagnetized state is excited and the attracting force thereof isgenerated. As a result, the attraction surface 136A of the yoke 136provided at the stopper 126 is attracted to the fixed iron core 150A ofthe magnet 150, the slider 142 becomes unable to move, and the key lockstate B (the lock state) arises. In this key lock state B, the abutmentsurface 212A of the lock cam 208 abuts the inclined surface of thedistal end of the slide wall 144. Thus, the ignition key 210 cannot beoperated from the key rotation operation position 238 (the ACC position)to the key insertion/removal possible position 240 (the LOCK position)and cannot be pulled out.

[0226] Further, the present embodiment is structured such that the shiftlever device 10 is set on a floor surface within a vehicle. However, astructure may be used in which the shift lever device is set at aninstrument panel within a vehicle.

[0227] Next, a shift lock mechanism 300 (lock mechanism) relating to asecond embodiment will be described on the basis of FIGS. 22 through 26.

[0228] As shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, the shift lock mechanism 300 isequipped with a case 302 which is formed from a case main body 302A anda cover 302B which is covered on the top end portion of the case mainbody 302A at the side opposite the bottom portion; a lock member 308having an anchor member 304 and a releasing member 306 which are movablyaccommodated within the case 302; and an electromagnet 310 which isaccommodated within the anchor member 304.

[0229] The anchor member 304 of the aforementioned lock member 308 isequipped with an accommodating portion 312 in which the aforementionedelectromagnet 310 is inserted and fixed from below and in which a fixediron core 310A (see FIGS. 26A-C) of the electromagnet 310 is open facingdownwardly; a cap 314 which is fit on one side of the accommodatingportion 312 so as to close a wiring 310B side of the electromagnet 310in a state in which the electromagnet 310 is accommodated; a stopperportion 316 which projects upwardly of the accommodating portion 312;and spring supporting portions 318 provided so as to face downwardly atboth sides of the accommodating portion 312.

[0230] The releasing member 306 of the aforementioned lock member 308 isequipped with a slider 320 which forms an L-shape and is a frame-shapeextending in vertical directions; and a loading stand portion 322 whichprojects from the bottom end of the slider 320. An abutment portion 324is formed at the top end portion of the slider 320. A yoke 326 is fitinto the loading stand portion 322, and a attraction surface 326A on theyoke 326 is open upwardly.

[0231] As shown in FIG. 24, in a state in which the anchor member 304and the releasing member 306 of the aforementioned lock member 308 areaccommodated movably within the case main body 302A, the accommodatingportion 312 of the anchor member 304 is loaded on the loading standportion 322 of the releasing member 306, and the fixed iron core 310A ofthe aforementioned electromagnet 310 opposes the attraction surface 326Aof the yoke 326 of the loading stand 322 as shown in FIGS. 26A-C. Theboth spring supporting portions 318 of the anchor member 304 areadjacent to the both sides of the loading stand portion 322. Moreover,in this accommodating state, the anchor member 304 is placed by the sideof the frame-shaped slider 320 of the releasing member 306, and aportion of the accommodating portion 312 of the anchor member 304 isinserted into the frame-shaped slider 320. Further, the stopper member316 of the anchor member 304 is adjacent to the abutment portion 324 ofthe slider 320. The aforementioned electromagnet 310 moves together withthe aforementioned anchor member 304. The anchor member 304 and theelectromagnet 310, and the aforementioned releasing member 306, can moverelatively in direction Y of the attracting force F (see FIGS. 26A-C) ofthe fixed iron core 310A of the electromagnet 310 which works on theattraction surface 326A of the yoke 326 of the releasing member 306.

[0232] In addition to the anchor member 304 and the releasing member306, the aforementioned lock member 308 is provided with alarge-diameter compression coil spring 328 (spring) which press-contactsthe releasing member 306, and a pair of small-diameter compression coilsprings 330 (springs) which press-contact the anchor member 304. Thelarge-diameter compression coil spring 328 is placed within theaforementioned case main body 302A on the bottom portion thereof, and isfit to the bottom side of the loading stand portion 322 of the releasingmember 306. Both small-diameter compression coil springs 330 are placedwithin the aforementioned case main body 302A on the bottom portionthereof, and are inserted into the both spring supporting portions 318of the anchor member 304. Due to the elastic forces of the compressioncoil springs 328, 330, the anchor member 304 and the releasing member306 are urged upward, and the stopper portion 316 of the anchor member304 and the abutment portion 324 of the releasing member 306 can projectupwardly from the cover 302B of the case 302. An anchor surface 316A isformed along the aforementioned attracting force direction Y at a sideof the stopper portion 316 of the anchor member 304 which side faces theabutment portion 324 of the releasing member 306. An anchor releasingsurface 324A is formed at the abutment portion 324 of the releasingmember 306 at the side opposite the stopper portion 316. The anchorreleasing surface 324A is inclined with respect to the aforementionedattracting force direction Y so as to move away from the anchor surface316A of the stopper portion 316, heading from top to bottom.

[0233] In a gate-type shift operation portion 332 of an automobile shownin FIG. 25, a shift lever 334 (operation member) is supported so as tobe rotatable around a supporting shaft 334A in a vicinity of theaforementioned anchor member 304 and releasing member 306, as shown inFIGS. 26A-C which schematically illustrates one portion. The shift lever334 has a projection 336, which serves as an interlocking member and asa portion to be locked, in a vicinity of the stopper portion 316 of theanchor member 304 and the abutment portion 324 of the releasing member306. An abutment surface 336A, which is used as both an anchor surfaceand an anchor releasing surface, is formed at the distal end portion ofthe projection 336. At the anchor surface 316A of the stopper portion316 of the anchor member 304 and the anchor releasing surface 324A ofthe abutment portion 324 of the releasing member 306, the movingdirections thereof (direction Y of the attracting force F of theaforementioned electromagnet 310) intersect a direction X of a locus ofrotation of the abutment surface 336A of the projection 336 rotatingaround the aforementioned supporting shaft 334A at park position P (thespecific position) of the shift lever 334.

[0234] In the state shown in FIG. 26A, the shift lever 334 shown in FIG.25 is operated at the park position P. Both the anchor member 304 andthe releasing member 306 of the aforementioned lock member 308 are urgedupwardly by the respective compression coil springs 328, 330 (see FIG.24) and stop. Within the anchor member 304, the fixed iron core 310A ofthe electromagnet 310 which is in a demagnetized state and theattraction surface 326A of the yoke 326 of the releasing member 306 abutone another. In this case, the releasing member 306 is in engageablestate C, and the projection 336 of the shift lever 334 faces the anchorreleasing surface 324A of the abutment portion 324 of the releasingmember 306 and stops.

[0235] In a case in which, in a state in which the brake (not shown) isnot depressed at the time of starting, an attempt is made to operate theshift lever 334 shown in FIG. 25 from the park position P to a position338 other than the park position P, it is structured electrically suchthat the demagnetized state of the aforementioned electromagnet 310 ismaintained and the attracting force F thereof is cancelled. Thus, whenthe abutment surface 336A of the projection 336 of the shift lever 334presses the anchor releasing surface 324A of the abutment portion 324 ofthe releasing member 306, as shown in FIG. 26B, only the releasingmember 306 moves downward against the elastic force of the compressioncoil spring 328, and the lever lock state A (lock state), in which thefixed iron core 310A of the electromagnet 310 and the attraction surface326A of the yoke 326 are separated from one another, arises. In thislever lock state A, the abutment surface 336A of the projection 336 ofthe shift lever 334 abuts the anchor surface 316A of the stopper portion316 of the anchor member 304. Thus, the shift lever 334 cannot beoperated from the park position P to the position 338 other than thepark position P.

[0236] In a case in which, in a state in which the brake (not shown) isdepressed at the time of starting, an attempt is made to operate theshift lever 334 shown in FIG. 25 from the park position P to theposition 338 other than the park position P, it is structuredelectrically such that the aforementioned electromagnet 310 is excitedand the attracting force F thereof is generated. Thus, when the abutmentsurface 336A of the projection 336 of the shift lever 334 presses theanchor releasing surface 324A of the abutment portion 324 of thereleasing member 306, as shown in FIG. 26C, the fixed iron core 310A ofthe electromagnet 310 and the attraction surface 326A of the yoke 326are attracted to one another, and the lever unlock state B (unlockstate), in which the releasing member 306 and the anchor member 304integrally move downward against the elastic forces of the respectivecompression coil springs 328, 330, arises. In this lever unlock state B,the abutment surface 336A of the projection 336 of the shift lever 334can pass by without abutting the anchor surface 316A of the stopperportion 316 of the anchor member 304. Thus, the shift lever 334 can beoperated from the park position P to the position 338 other than thepark position P.

[0237] In the lever unlock state B shown in FIG. 26C, in a case in whichthe shift lever 334 is rotated to the park position P, the electromagnet310 in the excited state is demagnetized, the attracting force F thereofis cancelled, and the state shown in FIG. 26A is returned to. Further,in the lever lock state A shown in FIG. 26B, in a case in which theshift lever 334 is rotated to the park position P, the state shown inFIG. 26A is returned to with the demagnetized state of theaforementioned electromagnet 310 maintained and the attracting force Fthereof remaining cancelled.

[0238] In accordance with this shift lock mechanism 300, the attractingforce F of the fixed iron core 310A of the electromagnet 310 is used inthe switching between the lever lock state A and the lever unlock stateB. Thus, as compared with a conventional case utilizing the plunger(movable iron core) of an electromagnetic solenoid, the rising andfalling of the iron core 310A can be eliminated and the mechanism can bemade compact. Further, the movement of the iron core 310A can besuppressed, and the amount of electric power can be reduced.

[0239] Moreover, in the lever lock state A in which the brake is notdepressed, the electromagnet 310 is un-energized. Thus, the amount ofelectric power can be reduced even more.

[0240] Further, due to the anchor member 304 and the releasing member306 which form the lock member 308, the switching between the lever lockstate A and the lever unlock state B can be carried out smoothly byutilizing the attracting force F of the fixed iron core 310A of theelectromagnet 310.

[0241] Moreover, the anchor member 304 and the releasing member 306which form the lock member 308 can be brought together compactly, andthe mechanism can be made more compact.

[0242] Further, due to the compression coil spring 330 of the lockmember 308 which urges the anchor member 304 to return to the lever lockstate A from the lever unlock state B, switching between the lever lockstate A and the lever unlock state B can be carried out even moresmoothly by utilizing the attracting force F of the fixed iron core 310Aof the electromagnet 310.

[0243] Moreover, due to the compression coil spring 328 of the lockmember 308 which urges the releasing member 306 to return to theaforementioned engageable state C, switching between the lever lockstate A and the lever unlock state B can be carried out even moresmoothly by utilizing the attracting force F of the fixed iron core 310Aof the electromagnet 310.

[0244] Note that, in the present embodiment, both the anchor member 304and the releasing member 306 of the lock member 308 can move withrespect to the case 302, and the anchor member 304 and the electromagnet310 can move integrally. In a case in which this structure is the samebut the orientation or the place of setting the present mechanism ischanged and the mechanism is disposed, there is no need to provide theportion to be locked, which corresponds to the aforementioned projection336, integrally with the shift lever 334, and no need to provide thefulcrum of rotation which is the supporting shaft 334A. The portion tobe locked may be interlocked with the shift lever 334 via a linkmechanism or the like.

[0245] Moreover, the present embodiment is structured such that theshift lock mechanism 300 is applied to the gate-type shift operationportion 332. However, a structure may be used in which the shift lockmechanism is applied to a tiptronic-type gate-type or a straight-type(including a tiptronic-type) shift operation portion.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0246] As described above, the lock mechanism of the present inventionis useful as a lock mechanism which carries out switching between a lockstate and an unlock state, and is suited to, by utilizing the attractingforce of a fixed iron core of an electromagnet, eliminating rising andfalling of the iron core and making the mechanism compact, andsuppressing movement of the iron core and reducing the amount ofelectric power.

[0247] Moreover, the shift lever device of the present invention isuseful as a gate-type shift lever device, and is suited for making theplacement space of a second detecting portion compact and thus makingthe device more compact.

[0248] Further, the shift lock unit of the present invention is usefulfor a gate-type shift lever device in particular, and is suited foraiming for compactness.

1. A lock mechanism applied to a shift lever device and having afunction by which an operation member cannot be operated to apredetermined position, comprising: an interlocking member which caninterlock with operation of the operation member, and a lock memberwhich is engageable with and releasable from the interlocking member,wherein, in accordance with attracting force of a fixed iron core of anelectromagnet, the lock member can assume a lock state in which the lockmember makes operation of the operation member to the predeterminedposition impossible, and an unlock state in which the lock member makesoperation of the operation member to the predetermined positionpossible.
 2. The lock mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the lockmechanism is a shift lock mechanism in which the operation member is ashift lever, the predetermined position is a position other than aspecific position of the shift lever, and the interlocking member is aportion to be locked which can interlock with operation of the shiftlever, and the shift lock mechanism has a function by which the shiftlever cannot be operated from the specific position to a position otherthan the specific position.
 3. The lock mechanism according to claim 2,wherein in the lock state, attracting force of the fixed iron core ofthe electromagnet is cancelled and the lock member anchors with theinterlocking member, and in the unlock state, the attracting force ofthe fixed iron core of the electromagnet is generated and anchoring ofthe lock member with respect to the interlocking member can becancelled.
 4. The lock mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the lockmember includes an anchor member having an anchor surface which, in thelock state, abuts an anchor surface provided at the interlocking member,and a releasing member which has an anchor releasing surface which canabut an anchor releasing surface provided at the interlocking member,the electromagnet moves together with one of the anchor member and thereleasing member, and the electromagnet and the one of the anchor memberand the releasing member are movable relative to another of the anchormember and the releasing member, and the other of the anchor member andthe releasing member has a attraction surface which is attracted to thefixed iron core of the electromagnet in the unlock state, and thereleasing member assumes an engageable state in which the releasingmember can engage with the anchor releasing surface of the interlockingmember at the anchor releasing surface of the releasing member, andaccompanying this engagement, the releasing member can set the anchormember in a lock state in a state in which attraction from theelectromagnet is cancelled, and can set the anchor member in an unlockstate in a state of being attracted to the electromagnet.
 5. The lockmechanism according to claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism is a keyinterlock mechanism in which the operation member is an ignition key,the predetermined position is a key insertion/removal possible positionof the ignition key, and the interlocking member is a member to belocked which can interlock with respect to rotation operation of theignition key, and the key interlock mechanism has a function by whichthe ignition key cannot be switched from a key rotation operationposition to the key insertion/removal possible position in a state inwhich the shift lever is operated to a position other than a parkposition.
 6. The lock mechanism according to claim 1 or 5, wherein, inthe lock state, the lock member is attracted by the electromagnet andanchors the interlocking member, and in the unlock state, attractionfrom the electromagnet is cancelled and anchoring of the lock memberwith respect to the interlocking member can be cancelled.
 7. The lockmechanism according to claim 6, wherein the lock member has at least areleasing member of among an anchor member having an anchor surfacewhich, in the lock state, abuts an anchor surface provided at theinterlocking member, and the releasing member which has an anchorreleasing surface which can abut an anchor releasing surface provided atthe interlocking member, at least the releasing member of among theanchor member and the releasing member of the lock member can move withrespect to the electromagnet, and one of the anchor member and thereleasing member which can move with respect to the electromagnet has aattraction surface which is attracted to the fixed iron core of theelectromagnet in the lock state, at least the releasing member of amongthe anchor member and the releasing member of the lock member can, inthe lock state, move with respect to the attraction surface attracted tothe fixed iron core of the electromagnet, and at least one of the anchormember and the releasing member, which can move with respect to theattraction surface, can move together with the electromagnet, and thereleasing member can assume an engageable state in which the releasingmember can engage with the anchor releasing surface of the interlockingmember at the anchor releasing surface of the releasing member, andaccompanying this engagement, at least one of the anchor member and thereleasing member can assume the lock state and the unlock state.
 8. Thelock mechanism according to claim 4 or 7, wherein at least one of theanchor member and the releasing member of the lock member moves in adirection of attracting force of the fixed iron core of theelectromagnet which works on the attraction surface, and at least one ofan anchor surface of the anchor member and an anchor releasing surfaceof the releasing member intersects a direction of a locus of movement ofat least one of the anchor surface and the anchor releasing surface ofthe interlocking member and moves in a direction of the attractingforce.
 9. The lock mechanism according to claim 4 or 8, wherein the lockmember includes a spring which urges the anchor member to return to thelock state from the unlock state.
 10. The lock mechanism according toclaim 7 or 8, wherein the anchor member and the releasing member of thelock member are movable relative to one another, and the lock member isequipped with a spring which urges the anchor member to return to theunlock state form the lock state.
 11. The lock mechanism according toany one of claims 4 and 7 through 10, wherein the lock member isequipped with a spring which urges the releasing member to return to theengageable state.
 12. The lock mechanism according to any one of claims1 through 11, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a yoke which isprovided so as to be freely inclinable in correspondence with theelectromagnet, and which adheres to the electromagnet due to magneticforce when the electromagnet generates the magnetic force.
 13. The lockmechanism according to claim 12, wherein the lock mechanism comprises aholding claw which is provided so as to project in an L-shape incross-section toward the electromagnet side, and which makes the yokefreely inclinable by supporting an end portion of the yoke.
 14. The lockmechanism according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the lock mechanismcomprises a cushion which is elastic and pushes the yoke toward theelectromagnet side.
 15. A shift lever device comprising: a shift leverprovided so as to be turnable in a predetermined direction and towardboth sides of the predetermined direction, and due to a turning positionin the predetermined direction being changed, a first shift position anda second shift position are changed, and by being turned toward one sideof the predetermined direction from the first shift position, the shiftlever is changed to a third shift position, and by being turned towardanother side of the predetermined direction from the second shiftposition, the shift lever is changed to a fourth shift position; a linkprovided so as to be rotatable in correspondence with the shift lever,the link being rotated in a same specific direction by the shift leverwhen the shift lever is changed from the first shift position to thethird shift position and when the shift lever is changed from the secondshift position to the fourth shift position; a first detecting portionconnected to the shift lever, and detecting the turning position, in thepredetermined direction, of the shift lever; and a second detectingportion connected to the link, and detecting a rotational position ofthe link.
 16. The shift lever device according to claim 15, wherein arotation central axis of the link is disposed between the first shiftposition and the second shift position of the shift lever, and the linkis rotatable substantially parallel to a plane of turning, in thepredetermined direction, of the shift lever, and the link has a firstarm corresponding to the third shift position of the shift lever and asecond arm corresponding to the fourth shift position of the shiftlever, and when the shift lever is changed from the first shift positionto the third shift position, the shift lever displaces the first armtoward one of a distal end side and a proximal end side of the shiftlever and rotates the link in the specific direction, whereas when theshift lever is changed from the second shift position to the fourthshift position, the shift lever displaces the second arm toward anotherof the distal end side and the proximal end side of the shift lever androtates the link in the specific direction.
 17. The shift lever deviceaccording to claim 15 or 16, wherein the first detecting portiontransmits, to the second detecting portion, a signal regarding adetected turning position, in the predetermined direction, of the shiftlever, and the second detecting portion switches a transmissiondirection of the received signal on the basis of a detected rotationalposition of the link.
 18. A shift lock unit forming a shift lever devicewhich is equipped with: a shift lever provided so as to be turnable in apredetermined direction and toward both sides of the predetermineddirection, and due to a turning position in the predetermined directionbeing changed, a first shift position and a second shift position arechanged, and by being turned toward one side of the predetermineddirection from the first shift position, the shift lever is changed to athird shift position, and by being turned toward another side of thepredetermined direction from the second shift position, the shift leveris changed to a fourth shift position; and a first detecting portionconnected to the shift lever, and detecting the turning position, in thepredetermined direction, of the shift lever, wherein the shift lock unitintegrally comprises: a shift lock mechanism having a function by whichthe shift lever cannot be operated from a specific position to aposition other than the specific position; and a sensing mechanism whichsenses a change from the first shift position of the shift lever to thethird shift position, and a change from the second shift position of theshift lever to the fourth shift position.
 19. The shift lock unitaccording to claim 18, wherein the sensing mechanism includes: a linkprovided so as to be rotatable in correspondence with the shift lever,the link being rotated in a same specific direction by the shift leverwhen the shift lever is changed from the first shift position to thethird shift position and when the shift lever is changed from the secondshift position to the fourth shift position; and a second detectingportion connected to the link, and detecting a rotational position ofthe link.
 20. The shift lock unit according to claim 19, wherein theshift lock unit comprises a guide portion which is provided incorrespondence with the link, and which guides rotation, in the specificdirection, of the link.
 21. The shift lock unit according to claim 19 or20, wherein the shift lock unit comprises: a restoring member providedat the link, and applying torque in a direction opposite the specificdirection to the link and restoring the link to an initial rotationalposition; and an elastic member which is elastic and which the link,which is restored to the initial rotational position, abuts.
 22. Theshift lock unit according to any one of claims 18 through 21, whereinthe shift lock unit comprises a shift position detecting portion whichdetects that the shift lever is positioned at a specific shift position.